About brothers and sisters (siblings)

Siblings are extremely important in a person’s life. Brothers and sisters form a child’s first peer group. Children learn social skills such as managing conflict, negotiating, caring, coping, and love from their day to day interactions and experiences with their brothers and sisters. Sibling relationships can provide a significant source of security and belonging throughout a child’s life. A person’s sibling relationship is likely to be the longest relationship they ever experience.

For children entering care, being placed with siblings can help with their sense of safety and security. Being placed together promotes attachment and connectedness to each other. It provides siblings with a natural support for each other and a sense of belonging. It helps develop the child’s identity and their connection to their cultural heritage. It helps them learn about their own personal and family history.