The relationships we have with our brothers and sisters can outlast the ones we have with our partners, friends, parents and sometimes our own children. We share an identity and history with our siblings and the significance is even greater for care experienced children who have experienced trauma and levels of disruption in their lives, Siblings need each other and staying together is important for their sense of security and feeling of family.

Part 13 of the Children (Scotland) Act 2020 and the Looked After Children (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2021 (link text to Looked After Children (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2021: children's rights and wellbeing impact assessment - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)) placed a legal duty on Local Authorities to ensure siblings are supported to stay together, where appropriate.

We have a number of carers who currently support sibling groups. We understand the demands of this but also its importance to best maintain these bonds and family connections.

Many of our foster carers who care for brothers and sisters tell us how much the children need each other and can speak about the joy and rewards of seeing their relationships flourish over time.

There are, however, some cases where it is not appropriate for siblings to live together. When this happens, steps are taken to help them stay in regular touch with each other and to nurture their relationships. This is currently called family time. The commitment of our carers to help support and maintain this for children is a key part of their role.

Our Supervising Social Workers and Therapeutic Family Workers are there to help facilitate and support this with their Local Authority colleagues. Carers are supported fully by Care Visions Fostering and we provide training and resources which can help nurture, develop and maintain sibling relationships, either by providing them with a home to live in together or through family time.

We can link into external group and resources that can help nurture and develop sibling relationships. This wraparound, relationship-based approach is very helpful for creating positive change in the lives of young people where it is needed while still maintaining those vital family relationships and connections.

In Scotland there is a constant need for Foster Carers who can support sibling groups and enable children to be brought up together. If you can help with this vital provision by putting yourself forward as a potential carer, knowing that you will be fully supported both financially and personally in your role, we would love to hear from you. Our contact form is below.  

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