EcoMaps/Ecological Maps are amazing tools to identify important people in the child/youth's lives, past and present. It gives a visual representation of the key relationships a child or youth has based on a strength-based and person-centered perspective.

If the child/youth is emotionally stable enough this is something you do with them. Do one sheet per placement in foster care and the different homes within the child's biological family as well. * Each child/youth served should have several Ecomaps. You are trying to bring up memories of important positive people they were involved with while living in these homes.

When you do this with the child/youth you are giving them back some control over their own lives. When they have more control in the process they will most likely be more accepting of a support network or placement.

There are two different EcoMap templates depending on the age and maturity level of the child/youth. One for younger children and one for teens.

From this, you can use the information gathered to search for the people's contact information with our People Search tool at Connectourkids.org or within your Family Connections account.

*If the person using the EcoMap is not the primary worker then they should discuss the usage with the primary worker first. Giving the foster care placement a heads-up is also important since the child/youth may need time to process the activity.

If you would like further information on EcoMaps please pick a time here and I would be happy to talk with you: https://calendly.com/karen-coates/30-min-meeting