When mum in custody in Queensland, Sammy* saw our poster for Storytime, she made a beeline for our team to ask how to sign up.
She shared that she has three children and they miss each other deeply. Having never been apart from them before coming into custody, the separation has been extremely difficult for the whole family.
Her children are currently in the care of family and friends, her youngest two with her mother, and her eldest with a friend. The three children still spend plenty of time together, thanks to their connected carers, and Sammy is grateful to have such a close-knit and supportive network to lean on during this time.
However, she was worried about her eldest, who she felt was becoming resentful and angry about the separation.
It was clear to our team that Storytime would be a lifeline for Sammy, and they made sure she could take part—even tracking her down after she was unexpectedly transferred to another centre.
You should be proud of the work you do and the relationships that you help to heal.
Sammy’s children’s carers were contacted to arrange delivery of the Storytime packages, and all were excited to be involved, agreeing enthusiastically to participate. One carer even asked our team to pass on a message:
“Please tell Sammy* we love her and miss her more than she could ever know xx.”
Storytime allows parents in custody to record themselves reading a book for their children, with the recording and book then sent home so children can hear their parent’s voice and feel connected.
When it came time to record, Sammy thoughtfully chose different readings for each of her children. For her youngest two, she read the first chapter of an early reader, encouraging them to keep practising their reading and continue the story at home – a reminder that parents can still support their children’s learning, even from a distance.
For her eldest, she chose a heartfelt poem, which was also framed and sent as a keepsake and a reminder of how much she is loved and missed.
Not long after the packages arrived, our team received beautiful feedback from the children’s carers:
“Thank you soooo much, the children loved these, and Dana* says she has read that book at school also—they were so excited. Thank you xxx”
Another shared:
“Hello Summa,
I am writing to say thank you for this recording.
This recording means more to our little household than you could ever know.
You should be proud of the work you do and the relationships that you help to heal.
Humans like you make the world a better place to be—we appreciate your brief, but precious presence in our lives.
Many thanks, Xanthi* and Clara*”
—–
*Names and images changed
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