Adoption Lifebook Expert

"Adoption lifebooks are my passion. My goal is for every foster or adopted child to have his or her own life book. Any adopted child, whether they are from China or Chicago, can benefit. My life certainly would have been very different if I had one growing up."

What is a lifebook? A lifebook is the record of the adoptee/foster child's life from birth, that uses words, photos, graphics and the child's artwork. It is a simple, truthful story written through the child's eyes. Much more than a scrapbook or baby book, the words are the most important part

Beth O'Malley, M.Ed., entered her family by adoption after living in two foster homes. Her childhood was happy, but as she entered her teen years the questions started. She felt different. In time, many of her life events would be related to adoption.

In 1982 she received her Masters in counseling from American University in Washington, D.C. Soon after, she began working as a social worker in Boston's inner city.

O'Malley says "that something deep inside of me became alive when I started making lifebooks for children in foster care." It was this experience coupled with her own questions, which motivated her to begin writing and speaking on life history books.

O'Malley is the author of three books. Her first book, Lifebooks: Creating a Treasure for the Adopted Child (Adoption-Works, 2000) provides both inspiration and step-by-step assistance for adoptive families and professionals. Examples and stories help in explaining the truths of the child's history – even difficult truths – in ways the child can understand.

To further help families, O'Malley's Web site is filled with helpful information. Her newest addition at the site is a 7-day, fun and free, lifebook tips course. To sign up go to www.adoptionlifebooks.com.

O'Malley is considered by many to be North American's leading expert on lifebooks. She offers workshops and trainings all over the US and now Canada. The most recent development in her life is a decision to become an adoptive mother herself.

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