Publisher's Synopsis
'Unlocking the Past' is a moving exploration of the impact of living with ignorance about one?s identity, and the effects of gaining access to family background information and childcare records later in life. Based on the author?s research and experience of working with adults formerly in the care of Barnardo?s, the book examines links between quality of care in childhood and the intensity of the 'need to know' about origins. It reviews the major research and theoretical perspectives in this field and looks at the complex process of assimilating new information later in life. The implications for service provision for those seeking access to their records are highlighted, as well as for current childcare practitioners. This book will be of particular interest to those engaged in access to records work with both adoptees and those formerly in care. It will also be of relevance to social work practitioners in family placement work, and anyone with an interest in issues of identity, loss, self-esteem and roots.
