Caring for siblings
Wherever possible, siblings are placed together. If they have been separated they will be reunited into one placement as soon as possible, provided this is in the best interests of all the children. Whether separated or in a placement together, siblings have some special needs. Talk to your caseworker if you need help understanding a situation or resolving a problem.
Separated siblings
When siblings can’t live together in the same home, efforts are made to place them in the same general area so they have plenty of opportunity for frequent, informal contact.
In rural and remote areas, it may take extra time or money to get siblings together. Caseworkers and agencies can work with carers to ensure that sibling contact is maintained, regardless of the challenge of distance.
Supporting the bond between siblings
Separated siblings can keep in touch through things like:
- going to the same childcare centre or school
- attending the same church or place of worship
- joining the same youth group, such as the Scouts or Girl Guides
- playing for the same sports team
- doing an activity they enjoy such as art, music or dance lessons
- participating in local community events and activities.
Ways to help strengthen sibling relationships include:
- talking to your caseworker if you need help understanding or managing the effects of separation on the child you’re caring for
- recording and photographing events and activities that siblings do together and include in their My Life Story Book
- encouraging kids to maintain contact through visits, phone calls, letters and emails, providing this is not discouraged in the child’s Case Plan
- offering to provide transport, or allowing visits to take place in your home if needed, to enable siblings to see each other
- helping kids cope with disappointment if a planned visit is cancelled and reassuring them they’ll see their siblings at another time
- getting the caseworker involved early to help resolve any issues around contact that are causing conflict.
Helping siblings deal with separation
Separated siblings often need extra support to deal with the effects of separation. Things your caseworker will do include:
- explaining to the child or young person why the decision was made to separate them
- seeking their views and feelings about the placement of their siblings and involving them in placement decisions
- listening to their anxieties and fears
- giving them information about where their siblings are and who is caring for them
- involving them in planning how, when and where they will have contact
- arranging counselling, if needed.