Raising Siblings, Together

There’s something special about sibling relationships. Siblings are often our first friends, our greatest confidants, riding through the storms of life with us and teaching us so much about conflict and love.

When a child faces trauma or upheaval in their life, they feel comfortable knowing their brothers or sisters are right there with them. Yet, for many children in the foster system, that sense of comfort is taken from them because of sibling separation.

Why Are Siblings Separated?

When siblings are placed in foster care, the system often separates them due to limited resources. Resource parents who open their homes to children in crisis aren’t always able to care for sibling groups. In emergency situations, sometimes the only option is to separate children from their siblings. 

While there is some research that suggests separation can be a positive thing by allowing children to process and heal without the pressure of caring for another sibling, there is a great deal more research that suggests this can be detrimental to the safety, identity, and development of children.

The Effects of Sibling Separation.

Brothers and sisters are often placed in separate homes, which makes it difficult for them to stay in touch, isolating them further from their biological family. This can be especially hard for younger children, who may not even remember their siblings after being apart for a long time.

When a child is removed from their home and family of origin, they often struggle with a sense of identity; they can become disconnected from their family history. Children who are separated from their siblings are far more likely to experience isolation and identity crises. This can lead to behavioral issues, poor academic achievement, and a failure to thrive. Children who are separated from their siblings are far more likely to run away, even if the home they’ve been placed in is warm and welcoming.

The Benefits of Keeping Siblings Together.

Children who can stay with their siblings tend to have fewer behavior problems, perform better academically and have stronger self-esteem. They also experience less anxiety and depression and are more likely to succeed as adults. Keeping siblings together in the foster system is not only beneficial for the children, but it also helps to keep families intact. When siblings can stay together, they can provide each other with the love and support they need to thrive.

Becoming a resource parent is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have. By opening up your home and your heart, you can make a huge difference in the life of children. 73% of children in the foster system will be separated from their siblings at some point, but resource parents have the power to change that statistic. If you think you might have what it takes to become a resource parent to siblings, we’d love to help you start that journey today.