Keeping Siblings Together

Professional literature repeatedly affirms the importance of the sibling bond. It is the longest lasting relationship most people ever have. Brothers and sisters share common experiences and history. Siblings raised in emotionally stressed families may have an even stronger bond. When parents are absent, physically or emotionally, older siblings often take their place in significant ways. Studies have shown that foster children have an easier time transitioning and adjusting to adoption when they have the emotional support of their siblings.

• New York State's Law & Regulations on Adoptive/FC Sibling Placement
  
• NYS OCFS White Paper on Siblings in Foster Care and Adoptive Placement ( pdf)
• Visitation Through the Eyes of a Child: University of Minnesota Practice Notes (pdf)
• Adoption and Sibling Relationships: What Children Have Taught Me
• When Siblings are Separated: What Parents Need to Know
• National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections Resources
• Sibling Groups in Out of Home Care: C.W. Information Gateway Resources
• Maine Youth Leadership Advisory Team Position Paper

Especially for Professionals:

• Overcoming Barriers to Keeping Siblings Together: Advice for Professionals
• Creating Sibling Friendly Agencies
• Best Practices/Model Programs to Unite Siblings
  • Camp to Belong
  • Neighbor to Neighbor
  • Project Visitation

Last modified: November 11, 2009

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