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Siblings and Adoption From Foster Care
Children who come into foster care or are adopted often are separated from their present and future biological siblings. According to adoption research, about 70 percent of children in foster care in the United States have a sibling also in care. Children from foster care may experience many types of sibling relationships, including with their birth family siblings as well as children in their foster or adoptive families. In this section find resources on sibling issues when children are adopted from foster care, including State and local examples
Sibling Issues in Foster Care and Adoption | |
Series Title: | Bulletins for Professionals |
Author(s): | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
Availability: | View Download (PDF - 356KB) Order (Free) - Add to Cart |
Year Published: | 2006 - 15 pages |
This bulletin explores research, intervention strategies, and resources to assist professionals in preserving connections among siblings placed in foster care. The importance and benefits of placing siblings together is discussed, and strategies are offered for addressing the barriers that often keep siblings apart. Ways to maintain sibling connections among siblings living in different homes are also described. A final section provides articles, curricula, sample State policies, and more resources to help professionals. |
Adoption and Sibling Relationships: What Children Have Taught Me
Brown
Adoptalk, Spring 2008
Considers sibling issues that enhance and complicate the lives of children in adoptive families and discusses helpful strategies.
Brothers and Sisters in Adoption: Helping Children Navigate Relationships When New Kids Join the Family
James (2008)
View Abstract
Provides information and strategies for integrating traumatized children into families whose composition already includes typically developing children.
Developing a Supportive Adoption Environment: How to Prepare Biological Children, Family, and Friends
Schooler & Atwood (2008)
In The Whole Life Adoption Book: Realistic Advice for Building a Healthy Adoptive Family
View Abstract
Reviews potential postadoptive challenges for families, including challenges for children already in the home.
Practice Principles for the Recruitment and Retention of Kinship, Foster and Adoptive Families for Siblings (PDF - 375 KB)
AdoptUSKids (2010)
Offers advice about supporting sibling connections at every step in the child welfare process and how to apply principles to practice.
Siblings and Adoption
Adoptive Families Magazine
Offers a compilation of articles about siblings and adoption.
Siblings in Adoption and Foster Care: Traumatic Separations and Honored Connections
Silverstein & Smith (2008)
View Abstract
Explores the lifetime importance of the sibling relationship and the traumatization of foster and adopted children who are separated from their siblings.
Top Ten Tips for Blending Children by Birth and Adoption
Creating a Family
Provides 10 tips for families with children by both birth and adoption.
State and local examples
Camp Connect: A Model to Follow
Child Welfare League of America
Children's Voice, March/April 2008
Provides detailed information about a Baltimore County, Maryland Department of Social Services summer camp that reunites siblings in foster care for other agencies considering developing a similar sibling camp model.
Camp to Belong
Offers siblings placed in separate foster, adoptive, or kinship homes opportunities to create lifetime memories while reunited at a camp.
NAFFCCA - Sibling Camp
National Association of Former Foster Care Children of America
Provides information for a summer camp for siblings in foster care between the ages of 8 and 18.