'Hard truths told in a gentle way': how life story books help adopted children

Life story books can help adopted children understand their past, but are often not prioritised by social workers

Baby Charlie* was unable to live with his birth family, but they were determined that he would know where he came from. Although it was sometimes painful, Charlie’s birth mother and his maternal birth grandparents all spent time sharing memories and anecdotes, and explaining what happened in their own words.

Charlie’s mum also pointed out where his cot used to be (the glow in the dark stars were still visible on the ceiling) and his scan picture on the fridge, allowing me to take photos that his adopters can show him when he is older. The family shared many photos and a video.

Related: I wasn't told why I was taken into care. For years I thought it was my fault

Memories in care are slippery because there’s no one to recall them as the years pass. In a few months I would be in a different home with a different set of people who had no idea of this moment … This is how you become invisible.

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from Children | The Guardian https://ift.tt/38OOjnM