Children's 'life story' on internet

The site is assessed with a password and security code

An internet site has been set up to allow adopted and fostered children to research their past.

The Lifecard website for youngsters in Liverpool is said to be the first of its kind in the world.

Children will be able to log on and watch video clips from their birth parents, social workers, teachers and people who knew them as babies.

There will be a special section which will only be accessible once the adopted or fostered children turn 18 - for those whose parents do not want them to learn their identity until that age.

The secure site can only be accessed with a password and security code.

It will also have an interactive diary page and can be updated every time the child logs on.

They can come back to this...no matter where they are or how many years have gone by

Dr Jeremy Chowings
Liverpool City Council

Dr Jeremy Chowings, Liverpool City Council executive member for health and social care, said: "In the past life stories have been in scrapbooks or even on CD Roms, but of course these can be lost.

"We know that sometimes youngsters are angry at birth parents, and may have been through very difficult times, and will destroy the scrap book or photos in it themselves.

"With this they can wipe out the entire file - but it will be there again when they come back.

"And they can come back to this time and again and know it's always going to be there, no matter where they are or how many years have gone by."