13 March 2023

Storytime prepared and delivered care packs containing quality books (including bilingual and te reo Māori books) and other resources to children whose families and whānau were either under the management of Corrections in the community or involved in family harm incidents in Whangārei, Waitematā and Manukau.

The purpose of this evaluation is to understand the programme’s impact and processes.

Storytime Foundation Caring for children and tamariki with family and whānau care packs programme

The Storytime Foundation drew upon evidence that shows providing care packs to children can help improve relationships between family, whānau and the staff providing services to them; reduce stress; positively impact stressors such as family violence; and support educational and wellbeing outcomes.

Whānau interviewed for the evaluation said the programme increased their access to books; they described the packs as fun, enjoyable and interactive; and they reported enjoying the packs and using the contents.

"This was an awesome surprise, especially when you are broke in the school holidays."

"The kids loved the activities, but the books are beautiful. She (the youngest daughter) hugged it to her chest. It is her favourite thing."

"It was the first book I could read to my kids in Māori, as there was English beside it so I knew what it was about."

"We read the books every night at the moment. We are both learning Māori words together. We spend some evenings colouring in books together. We have made a hopscotch with the chalk on the driveway. This has definitely made me interact more with my daughter."

"I didn’t trust the police. But I was so scared and so anxious. I thought I was going to lose my life, but I had nowhere to turn. She (the police officer) changed my view. In my darkest moment she came to the door with the care pack. I was amazed. She was so kind. I couldn’t believe the community cared about my family enough to give us this. I don’t remember the contents to be honest, I just remember feeling that someone cared. I trusted her and have leaned a lot on the Police. I really believe the Police and (the named police officer) saved my life."

Corrections’ Officers, Police, and Family Harm Team members interviewed for the evaluation said the packs enabled them to connect, build rapport, and show those that they were working with that they cared about them and their families and whānau.

“It definitely helps with engagement and aligns with our values, including whānau and manaaki.”

“Children, their whānau, are powerful motivators. Showing we care for whānau is helping to show the person we are working with that we genuinely care about them, we genuinely care about their family, and we want them to do well.”

“It has come at such a perfect time of school holidays, with money being allocated for extra food there has not been any money set aside for toys let alone the playdoh, books, bubbles which they received – love these packs – she received these packs with tears.”

“The inclusion of Māori books are a real asset for the people we are working with and provide a positive acknowledgment and recognition of Māori culture and whakapapa.”

By December 2022, Storytime had distributed a total of 745 packs.

Read the Caring for children and tamariki with family and whānau care packs evaluation