Wrapped In Angels: Sewing Resilience into the fabric of Children's Lives.

Author and Speaker

Mary Jo McVeigh

Organisation

Cara Counselling and Consultancy Sydney

Rice (2002:303) recognised that a spiritual context in social work has had a 'marginalised' place until recent years. James Garbarino believes that 'the reality of the sacred self is the foundation for understanding human development', yet 'far too few social scientists take this into account in their professional work, but many recognise it in their personal lives.' (Garbarino 1999:33). Spirituality is recognised as an element of resilience in the lives of adults who have experienced hardship and those professionals who work in trauma. However, too few professional 'take this into account' in their work with children.

In this paper the definition of spirituality used is not described in terms of religious practices. It is seen, rather, as a very personal and individually experienced process, a process where guidance is sought, protection is called upon and understanding asked for when the good and not so good experiences of life come along. Her spirituality is grounded within her Irish heritage and is inseparable from her cultural beliefs. She believes that the experience of spirituality is not the same for everyone. However, in the numerous conversations that children and their families have invited her into about the spiritual contexts of their lives, the same elements of protection, guidance and understanding have been present.

It was from such conversations that Angel Blankets were created. Making blankets with children, families and professionals draws their attention to recognising the factors of protection, guidance and understanding that exists in their lives. This paper will outline the theoretical underpinnings of Angel Blanket work. It will discuss the process of making blankets in groups, with families and on an individual basis. The outcomes from Angel Blanket work has shown some of the following results: changes in children's behaviour, change in carers perceptions of trauma, increased attachments between carer and children, successful processing of traumatic events, increased self awareness. This paper will explore these results further and the results of research currently being undertaken with professionals on their experience of angel blanket work.

This paper challenges the notion that the clinical body of knowledge alone can explain trauma work. It will show that the two bodies of knowledge, the clinical and the spiritual, are needed. Furthermore this paper will bring the audience into the lives of children who have made blankets and let it be known what is was like to be wrapped in a blanket upon which is sewn symbols of everything they need to protect, guide and sustain them as they grow.

Preferred Presentation

Paper

Biography

When Mary Jo Mc Veigh completed a Masters Degree in social work in Belfast, Northern Ireland she started to work with children who have experienced abuse and trauma. Over twenty-two years later Mary Jo is still passionate in her belief about the strength of children's spirit and is inspired by all they have taught her about resilience and recovery. She currently enjoys living and working in Sydney, Australia providing counselling and consultancy services to children and their carers and the agencies that supports them. She has recently ventured into the world of writing children's stories.