Keeping Siblings Connected: Why Sibling Relationships Matter in Foster Care

When children come into foster care, they are often facing one of the most uncertain and emotional times in their lives. Alongside changes in home, school and routine, many children are also separated from their brothers and sisters. For many children, sibling relationships are the longest and most consistent relationships they have, which is why maintaining these connections is so important.

The Importance of Sibling Relationships

Brothers and sisters often share experiences, memories, family traditions and identity. Even when relationships are sometimes challenging, siblings can provide comfort, reassurance and a sense of belonging during difficult times.

For children in care, maintaining sibling relationships can:

• Reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation

• Help children maintain their identity and family connections

• Provide emotional support and reassurance

• Help children feel more settled and secure in their placement

When Siblings Live in Different Homes

Unfortunately, it is not always possible for siblings to be placed together, often due to foster home availability, individual needs or space within a home itself. When this happens, it is important that children are supported to maintain contact with their brothers and sisters wherever possible. This might include:

• Regular face-to-face contact

• Video calls

• Phone calls

• Writing letters or sending photos

• Celebrating birthdays or special occasions together

These relationships help children understand that although they may not live together, they are still part of the same family.

The Role of Foster Carers

Foster carers play a very important role in supporting sibling relationships. This may involve helping children prepare for contact, supporting them emotionally afterwards, and helping them talk about their feelings if they are missing their siblings.

Simple things can make a big difference, such as:

• Talking positively about siblings

• Displaying photos in the child’s room

• Helping children make cards or drawings for their siblings

• Supporting contact arrangements and being flexible where possible

These small actions help children feel that their relationships are valued and important.

A Growing Focus on Sibling Connections

There is increasing recognition across the fostering sector of how important sibling

relationships are for children in care. Recent discussions and developments in legislation are placing a stronger focus on ensuring brothers and sisters can stay in touch and maintain meaningful relationships, even when they are not living together.

This is a really positive step forward and highlights the importance of keeping children connected to the people who matter most to them.

Supporting Siblings to Stay Together at Orchard Care

At Orchard Care, we recognise how important it is for brothers and sisters to remain together wherever possible. We actively work to support sibling groups to stay in the same

placement, helping children maintain those vital relationships and shared experiences.

We are proud of the efforts made by our foster carers and team to create stable, nurturing homes that can accommodate siblings. By offering ongoing support, training and guidance, we help carers feel confident in caring for sibling groups and understanding the unique dynamics that come with these placements.

Where it is not possible for siblings to live together, we place a strong focus on maintaining meaningful contact. We work closely with carers and professionals to ensure children can stay connected in ways that are positive, consistent and supportive of their emotional wellbeing.

Final Thoughts

Sibling relationships are often lifelong connections, and supporting these relationships can have a lasting positive impact on a child’s wellbeing, identity and sense of belonging.

Whether that’s keeping siblings together or supporting meaningful contact, we are committed to helping children stay connected to the people who matter most to them.

Foster carers play a vital role in making this possible, and with the right support and understanding, these relationships can continue to grow and thrive.

If you would like to learn more about fostering, or are interested in becoming a foster carer, our friendly team at Orchard Care would love to talk with you.