Sibling placements are a topic of much discussion in the fostering world. At Orchard Fostering, we are often asked about fostering siblings. In order to answer the most pressing questions about sibling placement, we have put together some frequently asked questions that stem from our conversations about sibling placements in foster care. Read on to find out more.
What are sibling placements?
Sibling placements involve keeping brothers and sisters together when placed in foster care. By their nature, sibling placements involve fostering multiple children. By fostering siblings, you open up your home to brothers and sisters on their fostering journey. At Orchard Fostering, we believe in the importance of keeping siblings together throughout their fostering journey. As such, we make maintaining sibling relationships a priority.
Why is it important that siblings should not be separated?
As we have discussed before, entering a foster placement can be a stressful time for a young person. Having a brother or sister along for the journey can be a great emotional anchor for a foster child in a time of upheaval and worry. The bond between siblings can be very strong.
Of course, it is sometimes difficult to keep siblings together – age gaps, large families or situational difficulties can lead to siblings being separated for some time. If a child is separated from their sibling, they can experience emotional difficulties. Separation anxiety can set in. Family connection is important. Maintaining sibling relationships is, therefore, of great importance – and that is why we support sibling placement at Orchard Fostering.
How does sibling foster placement work?
Sibling placement works in much the same way as regular foster care. Sibling foster carers provide a safe, nurturing family environment for their fostered siblings, creating an atmosphere in which young people can flourish. The major difference is, obviously, that you are fostering multiple children who have a previously established connection to one another.
Fostering multiple children means you will need more space. One of the major reasons siblings are separated is due to a shortage of foster carers with enough space to foster two or more children. Having ample room (both physically and emotionally) for foster siblings is essential, allowing them enough space to grow and develop. While sibling under five and of the opposite sex can share a bedroom, siblings sharing a room over five must be of the same sex.
In terms of step by step sibling placement, the journey to becoming a foster carer remains the same. If you’re interested in fostering siblings, simply contact Orchard Fostering to begin the process. Over a number of months, your assessing social worker takes a detailed look at you and your life. There are check-ups and trainings. Once the process is complete and we have established that your situation is suitable for fostering siblings, you are ready to begin you fostering journey.
Why consider sibling placements?
One of the major benefits of fostering siblings is getting the chance to watch relationships between siblings grow and develop in your care. Guiding these relationships is one of the most rewarding things a carer can do. As the foster carer to siblings, you will watch your foster siblings work out the way they operate as a unit – largely through arguing and making up again. You will mediate arguments and difficulties, perhaps even witness some sibling rivalries develop and recede.
You will also be fostering children of different ages, who may be dealing with different problems and growing pains. Bonding with your foster child is important in these situations, as you develop a rapport with each individual foster child on their level. For more tips on bonding with your foster child, check out our articles on making your foster child feel at home and managing challenging behaviour.
Fostering siblings is a challenging and rewarding experience – filled with moments of joy and care. If you are interested in fostering siblings, or think you may consider sibling placements, contact us today and begin your fostering journey now.