Overview

This workshop reinforces the concept of Life Story Books, why they are important and the caregiver’s role in creating them. Life Story Books answers the child’s ‘what, when and why’ questions (creating a coherent narrative – Dan Siegel) about their care experiences.

This learning opportunity is developed by caring Families Aotearoa and is delivered in partnership with Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children as part of the National Caregiver Training Programme (NCTP) for all caregivers in New Zealand.

Learner Objectives

By the end of this facilitated session caregivers will be able to:

• Describe the importance of tamariki (children) having an accurate record of their care journey.
• Understand the significance of writing a story that reflects/captures the child’s/young person’s experience.
• Understand linking cultural connections to te tamaiti (the child’s) story assists with the importance of whanaungatanga, forming mana tamaiti, whakapapa, identity and place in the world.

Learner Outcomes

• Caregivers will understand the purpose of and be able to create a Life Story book/memory box for tamariki.
• Children transitioning from care will have accurate information to take with them.
• Practice scripting strengths-based stories/narratives that capture experiences, relationships, memories for their time of being place in their home.