What is sibling groups foster care?

At Life Without Barriers, we believe in keeping families together. Where possible, we try to keep brothers and sisters together when finding foster placements. Fostering sibling groups is providing either short or long term care and support for siblings from the same family. Sibling Carers provide care for two or more related children. Keeping siblings in the same foster home helps them to feel safe and helps them settle in faster.

Real Stories

"Each child brings on new favourite moments, watching the kids guards slowly drop and the walls that they have built slowly fall away definitely has to be the best for all of them."
BRODIE AND JOHN, LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS FOSTER CARERS

Watch John and Brodie, Foster Carers, talk about the joys of caring for two siblings groups.

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Why is it important to keep siblings together?

At Life Without Barriers, we endeavour to keep families together. Unfortunately, many siblings are unable to live at home for various reasons. When children are in care, their families are still very important to them.

Children learn social skills such as managing conflict, negotiating, sharing, caring, coping, and love from their day-to-day interactions and experiences with their siblings. Entering care can be a traumatic experience, this trauma can be exacerbated if they are also separated from the siblings.

Sibling relationships can provide a significant source of security and belonging throughout a child’s life. Siblings comfort and support each other to adjust to their new home, create familiarity in a new home, and develop safe and nurturing relationships.

Keeping siblings together helps maintain family connections and culture and reduces the isolation of living in an unfamiliar environment.

What are the typical ages and size of sibling groups?

The number of children and ages of siblings in foster care vary, just like each family varies. Sibling groups range from two to three children, between the ages of 3 to 16 years old.

What is the duration of care?

Fostering siblings can vary according to your location and their needs. This can range from respite or short break care for one weekend a month, or short-term care to long-term foster care.

What kind of support will I get if I become a foster carer to a sibling group?

Our foster carers are never alone in their caring journey. It can be difficult to comprehend the experiences children bring with them, so it is important that carers feel supported and confident in their role.

  • Training

    We provide carers with a range of learning opportunities suited to their level of experience and the needs of children in their care.

  • 24/7 Carer Support

    Our carers have access to support at any time of the day or night for advice, support and direction in stressful situations.

  • Financial support

    Carers receive a tax-free allowance to support the needs of children placed in their care.

  • Specialist support

    Our specialist staff work with children and alongside carers where additional support is needed.

  • Respite

    For a night or a weekend, children in care may spend time with a respite carer, an opportunity to strengthen social and family networks while their carer takes a short break. This type of care is only offered when it is in children's interests.

  • Carer networking

    Talking to other carers is sometimes the best form of support. Through regular carer events we create opportunities for carers to share their concerns, celebrate successes and provide feedback to the Life Without Barriers team.

Got more questions?

Our friendly and helpful fostering specialists are ready to answer your questions. Whether you're looking to start the process, get some answers or want more information, our team is waiting for you to connect.