Why Does Keeping Siblings Together Matter in Foster Care?

It's Foster Care Fortnight, and this year's theme, "The Power of Relationships," is a great time for us to talk about one of the most important dynamics in a child's life. Their siblings.

Imagine suddenly being uprooted from everything familiar - your home, your school, your friends. Now, imagine facing that upheaval not just alone, but also losing the constant presence of the people who know you best, who share your history, your inside jokes, your family language: your siblings.

For children entering foster care, the trauma of separation is often compounded by the potential separation from their brothers and sisters. At Family Care Group, we understand the profound and lasting impact this can have.

The Unique Bond of Siblings

Siblings share a unique and powerful bond. They are often each other's first best friends, secret keepers, the first people you have to learn to share with. This connection becomes even more critical during times of stress and uncertainty, such as leaving an unsafe home and entering foster care.

Keeping siblings together offers an important source of:

• Comfort and Security: In a new and often unfamiliar environment, siblings provide a sense of familiarity and stability. They are a constant, a known quantity in a time of a lot of change. This shared experience can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and fear.
• Emotional Support: Siblings understand each other in a way that no one else can. They can offer comfort, empathy, and a listening ear based on their shared experiences. This emotional support can be crucial in processing trauma and adjusting to a new life.
• Shared Identity & History: Siblings share memories, family stories, and a sense of belonging. Maintaining these connections helps children retain a crucial part of their identity and their past, preventing further feelings of loss.
• Continuity & Routine: Even small shared routines and inside jokes can provide a sense of normalcy and predictability. This can be incredibly grounding for children who may feel like their world has been turned upside down.
• Improved Placement Stability: Research suggests that sibling placements are often more stable and less likely to experience multiple moves. This provides greater security and consistency for the children involved.

Is it always safe?

In foster care, it's not always straightforward. Factors such as the children's ages, individual needs, trauma bonds, and the availability of suitable foster placements can present challenges. However, at Family Care Group, we are dedicated to overcoming these obstacles through:

The Long-Term Impact

The benefits of keeping siblings together in foster care extend far beyond the initial placement. Maintaining these vital connections can contribute to:

• Better Mental Health Outcomes: Reduced feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.
• Increased Resilience: Enhanced coping mechanisms and a stronger sense of self.
• Improved Social Skills: Continued opportunities for interaction and development of social bonds.
• Stronger Family Connections: Maintaining sibling relationships can lay the foundation for stronger family connections in the future, where safe and appropriate.

At Family Care Group, we believe that the bond between siblings is a powerful and precious resource, especially for children who have experienced adversity. We are unwavering in our commitment to exploring every possible avenue to keep brothers and sisters together in foster care, providing them with the support, stability, and love they need to heal and thrive.

Our goal is always to minimise the trauma of separation while prioritising the safety and individual well-being of each child in our care. We believe in the power of relationships and keeping siblings together when it's a safe, beneficial, and possible option for everyone involved.