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Child Welfare

The importance of fostering sibling sets

Entering foster care is a tough time for any child to experience, however it can be harder when they have siblings.

Sometimes, they are separated into different homes, which can affect their mental health and sense of self-confidence and assurance.

Continue reading to find out why it’s important to keep siblings together when they enter foster care, and the benefits for both the children and carers alike.

Why siblings may be split up

37% of children who enter care with their siblings are split up. This happens for a number of reasons, such as the foster carer(s) not having enough space or the sibling groups being too large.

Being separated from siblings can have an impact on a child’s wellbeing, as they will often find it difficult to settle into their new home and accept their new foster family.

A sense of stability

Children who are raised in the same foster home as their siblings generally experience more stability and better mental health. This act of keeping family members together creates a sense of security and comfort through shared experiences, building bonds that hopefully last into their adulthood.

Empty nest syndrome

If you already have children that have moved out, fostering siblings is a great way to alleviate empty nest syndrome and bring back the bustle and life that you were previously used to.

As well as providing a safe and loving environment, you will also be able to use your prior parenting knowledge and experience as well.

Here at Beacon Fostering, we strive to give children safe and healthy environments in the North West, where they can grow and reach their potential in spite of their uneasy starts in life.