The session explores the importance for all children to have accurate knowledge of their past and their family. Children in care are often denied the opportunity to know about their past due to separation from birth families and the many changes of placement and social workers they may have experienced.
Life Story books are regarded as a therapeutic tool. Most children in care gain a great deal from talking about their past, present and future, so that they gain a coherent narrative of their life.

Learning Objectives:

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