Fostering siblings together is often the ideal situation. Keeping brothers and sisters together provides comfort, familiarity and stability during a disruptive time in their lives. However, fostering siblings does come with some unique rewards and challenges.
Here’s what to expect when you welcome two or more siblings into your home.
The Benefits of Keeping Siblings Together
There are many benefits to keeping siblings together when fostering siblings with Fosterplus:
- It maintains the sibling bond. Siblings share a close relationship that provides support during difficult circumstances. Separating them can cause emotional trauma.
- It provides stability and comfort. Having a familiar face in a new environment helps siblings feel more secure. The sibling relationship is a source of reassurance.
- It’s less disruptive. Siblings experience fewer placements and school changes when kept together, leading to better outcomes.
- It’s in their best interest. UK law and guidance states that siblings should live together unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Preparing for Siblings’ Diverse Needs
While sharing a background, each sibling is an individual with their own experiences, personalities and needs. As a foster carer, you must be prepared to:
- Get to know each child one-on-one. Take time to understand every child’s interests, strengths and challenges.
- Support their different ages and stages. Account for varying developmental needs between siblings.
- Manage complex relationships. Rivalries, different experiences of trauma, and special needs can complicate the dynamics.
- Accommodate their educational needs. Work closely with each child’s school to provide learning support.
- Focus on their wellbeing. Tend to each sibling’s emotional and physical health.
Facilitating Healthy Sibling Interactions
The sibling bond needs nurturing to thrive. Here’s how to encourage positive sibling relationships:
- Set ground rules. Establish guidelines for fair treatment, respectful communication and sharing.
- Allow some independence. Ensure each sibling has their own space, activities and one-on-one time with you.
- Model good behaviour. Demonstrate and reinforce kindness, teamwork and conflict resolution.
- Referee disputes. Mediate sibling disagreements and teach strategies like compromise.
- Celebrate their bond. Praise their cooperation and affection. Do activities that bring them together.
- Seek support if needed. If concerning behaviours emerge, talk to your social worker.
Making Room for Siblings in Your Home
When fostering siblings, ensure your home can accommodate:
- Enough bedrooms. Work with your agency to configure rooms, beds, storage, etc.
- Shared spaces. Communal living areas where siblings can play and bond together.
- Some privacy. Areas for siblings to retreat to for alone time.
- Childproofing. Secure harmful objects and accommodate young children.
- Extra supplies. Duplicate necessities like toiletries, clothing and toys.
- Additional expenses. Plan your budget for increased costs. Seek financial support if needed.
Rewarding and Challenging
Fostering siblings is demanding but also incredibly meaningful. The bonds between brothers and sisters deserve protecting. With preparation and patience, you can keep siblings together, nurturing these important relationships during a difficult season of their lives. The impact you have will last long after they leave your home.
