Life story work is a widely used intervention in adoption and fostering. Despite being recommended for use with all children in the care system, the outcomes are underresearched. This review systematically evaluates the scope of the current research into life story work in the looked-after population, investigating the processes used in practice and the benefits and limitations of these approaches. The findings of this review suggest that life story books are a predominant tool within the process of life story work alongside direct work with social care professionals, foster carers and adoptive parents. Although qualitative studies have found many benefits to these varied approaches to life story work, there are limitations to these studies. The findings do not directly correspond with the findings of quantitative studies that have evaluated life story work and have indicated little benefit. Life story work varies in how it is conducted and further research is needed to examine the key components of effective life story work.