Do you have a large double bedroom or more than one spare room, and are considering fostering siblings?
Whilst caring for a sibling group might entail extra responsibilities for carers, it can be immensely beneficial for the children to be able to stay together in one fostering household. At UK Fostering we are always seeking foster carers that have the time and space for sibling groups, but what does that mean?
- Time, because each child within the sibling group will have their own needs and requirements, and this requires foster carers to be able to make time for each child individually.
- Space, because although many children may be able to share a bedroom with a sibling, others do need to have their own space and need the sanctuary of their own individual bedroom (see bedroom blog link below).
You may ask why it can be so important to keep siblings together. Here are some of the reasons:
- To Keep Loved Ones Together
Unfortunately, there aren’t enough foster carers available to care for sibling groups, often resulting in siblings being split up. This separation can be heartbreaking as siblings are often each other’s closest loved ones, especially after enduring significant trauma. In the BBC Scotland link below, Kevin, now an adult with his own children, talks about his own experiences of being cared for separately from his siblings. Keeping siblings together ensures they have the support and comfort of family during a challenging time. - Prevent Isolation
Children in foster care often feel isolated, confused, and upset when separated from familiar faces and from valued connections. Fostering siblings allows children to remain close to provide each other with a sense of continuity and companionship, ensuring that no matter what changes they face, they don’t feel completely alone.
- Improved Opportunity For Stability
Fostering aims to provide children with a stable and safe environment. Despite occasional arguments, siblings often support each other and create a sense of safety and stability. This internal support system can significantly aid their emotional well-being and help them adapt to their new circumstances more readily. - Improves Social Abilities
Children in foster care might need additional support with social skills due to past traumas. Keeping them with their siblings helps them develop these skills naturally. Through their interactions, whether in play or disagreements, they learn important social dynamics between each other (and with other children and adults) that are crucial for their overall development and future relationships. - Provides Extra Support
No one understands a foster child’s experience better than a sibling going through the same situation. Siblings offer each other unparalleled emotional support, making the transition into foster care smoother. They help each other settle in and provide reassurance, reducing anxiety about their siblings’ safety and whereabouts.
If you can provide support and care for siblings that need to stay together, then
you can make a profound difference in their lives.
Get in contact on our local rate number 0345 222 0518 to discuss further 😊
By Lynsey Dobbs, Senior Recruitment Officer
Sources & Resources
BBC Scotland The Social – Brought In Care And Separated From My Siblings. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjderA1Kl7U
UK Fostering blog about children needing own space/bedroom. Available at: https://ukfostering.org.uk/foster-children-need-bedroom/