Reconnecting across Generations

After more than a decade apart, a grandmother, affectionately known as Nan, was reunited with her grandchildren in a heartfelt and long-awaited meeting that brought healing, laughter, and renewed connection.

Since beginning work with the children in 2022–23, Janet*, a carer from Key Assets Australia (KAA) had built a strong relationship with Nan. She shared that prior to this, her contact with the agency had been sporadic, leaving her feeling disconnected and disheartened.

Through regular conversations, Janet was able to build trust, share updates, and exchange life story information that helped bridge the gap between Nan and her grandchildren.

One step in this journey was helping Nan obtain her birth certificate, an important document for the children’s passport applications, but also a valuable piece of their life story. It gave them insight into their family history, including where Nan was born and who her parents were.

The lead-up to the reunion was a careful and considered process. The children and their carers had longstanding fears related to Nan’s connection with a maternal relative, which made the idea of reconnecting complex.

“Each year, she posted birthday messages on social media, hoping they might one day see them."

Nan had not seen the children in over 10 years and had no recent photos of them. Each year, she posted birthday messages on social media, hoping they might one day see them. With the children’s permission, Janet shared updated photos with Nan, on the condition they wouldn’t be shared publicly. She was overjoyed.

One Monday in July, Janet and Nan made a road trip to a halfway point between the children’s location and Nan’s home. The children’s carers joined us. The children were thrilled to receive thoughtful gifts from Nan, who had taken the time to learn about their interests with help from carers and caseworkers. In the past, Nan had sent gifts through their mother, but they never reached the children. This time, the gifts were received with great joy and gratitude.

Nan and her grandchildren shared a picnic by the river, where they looked through early childhood photos, laughed, and reminisced. Nan bravely invited questions about their past, why they came into care, what happened on the day they were removed, and about their mother.

The children shared their understanding of their journey, and Nan expressed deep gratitude to them, their carers and with the agency for the love and care they had received. She acknowledged the harm caused by their mother and maternal relative, while affirming her enduring love for her daughter.

“Seeing the children giggling and playing as they looked at baby photos was a beautiful moment of reconnection."

The children now have a richer understanding of their life story, along with treasured photos. Nan gently offered the possibility of future contact, leaving the decision in their hands. Seeing the children giggling and playing as they looked at baby photos was a beautiful moment of reconnection.

Nan, who is living with dementia and other health issues, was grateful for the opportunity to reconnect while she still holds clear memories. Although her father is still alive, he has advanced dementia and is no longer able to engage.

*Names have been changed to protect identities.