Keeping siblings together in foster care

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word sibling as two or more children, having one or both parents in common. Now ask yourself – what memories do you have with your sibling? And how would you feel if you were ever separated from your siblings?

This is an unfortunate risk when sibling groups enter foster care.

When a family cannot safely take care of their children, they may become involved with foster care. Children, teens, and sibling groups may be removed from unsafe or unstable homes, and cared for temporarily by a trained and licensed foster family who will provide a safe and loving environment for them.

Clark County Department of Family Services (DFS) gives special consideration to sibling relationships and attempts to preserve sibling groups with their foster placement. Yet, due to a limited availability of placement options, finding foster families to accommodate sibling groups in the same household is challenging, especially when the sibling group has 3 or more children or teens.

For example, in July 2023, DFS was able to keep 81% of sibling groups of 2 together in foster care placement, but only 71% of groups of 3, and 52% of groups of 4 siblings were placed in the same foster household. Sibling groups of 6 only had only a 36% rate of staying together.

Earlier in October 2023, Clark County had 33 groups of siblings at Child Haven, the emergency shelter where infants, children, and teens live as they wait loving and stable foster home. Child Haven is meant to be a short-term emergency solution, but, unfortunately, due to a lack of foster caregivers, sibling groups live at the shelter for weeks, and sometimes months, at a time.

Children, teens, and sibling groups belong in loving homes, with caring adults. DFS needs more foster families who can welcome sibling groups of 3 or more children and teens into their homes. There are even additional benefits for foster families who are willing to care for sibling groups, like increased compensation.

Why is it important to place siblings together in foster care?

All my life, I spent with my sibling. We learned a lot from each other- how to share and communicate. We were loyal to each other yet enjoyed healthy competition. We learned social skills as we played. We shared culture, history, and traditions with each other. We were an extension of our parents and family. We were one.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation reports, “Preserving and promoting sibling relationships has been found to result in better outcomes for children, including, fewer emotional and behavioral difficulties, increased mental well-being, improved school performance, and better adjustment to their new foster home.”

Understanding the sibling relationship

• Research has shown that siblings placed in foster homes together often feel more secure and can help each other adjust to their new family and community.

• Being placed with siblings or maintaining a sibling connection while in care serves as a protective factor for children’s mental health.

• Studies have found that placing siblings in the same foster home is associated with higher rates of reunification.

Research shows sibling groups who have experienced a difficult family life have learned to depend on each other for care, comfort, and security. When siblings come into foster care and are separated, it creates a huge sense of loss, grief, and loneliness. Due to various circumstances some siblings may never be reconnected, losing one of the most important relationships in their lives. Research also shows that sibling groups placed in foster homes together often feel more secure and can help each other adjust to their new family and community.

DFS is working to increase sibling placement options, but there are special considerations when it comes to caring for sibling groups, like the size of the sibling group and the age gap between siblings. For example, a sibling group of 3 may have an infant, a school-aged child, and a teenager. Their developmental needs vary, as they are in very separate and distinct phases of growth.

DFS continues to work strategically to keep sibling groups together by focusing on

• Placing siblings with relatives. A kinship placement increases the likelihood of children living with and staying connected to their siblings and family of origin

• Recruitment efforts focused on homes who are open to accept sibling groups and homes that are reflective of the ethnic diversity of children in care

• Preparing new foster families to assess their capacity to care for a sibling group

• Providing opportunities for foster families to connect and support one another when caring for sibling groups

• Provide resources and information for foster families to access specific resources to support sibling groups

Rewards and challenges of fostering a sibling group

• Each child has different needs, which sometimes requires different parenting skills and techniques

• Learning about each child and their personality, likes, dislikes and schedules can initially feel overwhelming. A foster parent shares, “There was a season where we were all figuring it out, learning about each other, and setting boundaries. Those things were hard, but they were such a blessing too.”

• Through the eyes of a foster child, “They feel safer knowing their sibling is also safe. I earn the trust of one child when they watch me with their sibling. They make each other feel safer, and together they make me a better parent.”

Jason Smith was a single businessman, enjoying his life. He is the perfect example of how welcoming a sibling group into your home can be life changing.

Jason Smith began his foster care training and licensure process with DFS. Once licensed, Jason took a chance and decided to welcome a sibling set of 3 brothers into his home. Jason always wanted to be a father and was excited to welcome the brothers into his home. Most recently, the brothers had lived in 5 different foster homes. Jason’s goal was to keep the brothers together and allow them to be young men and enjoy life.

Jason worked in close partnership with DFS, “From day one he treated the boys like they were his own. It was never about Jason. It was always about what the boys needed.”

Jason’s story is unique because after 9 months of being the brothers’ foster parent, the family of 4 stood in a Nevada courtroom and the boys officially became his sons – Jason adopted the sibling group of 3! The oldest sibling shared, “We’re living a normal life here. This home is great.” The middle brother added, “We get to have a family, and we don’t have to go to another house again and again and again. The best part is being able to talk, help, and love each other.”

What can you do to support sibling groups in foster care?

1. Sign-Up to attend an Information at www.clarkcountyfostercare.com

2. Complete Fingerprint/Background check

3. Complete Foster Care Training

4. Receive your Foster Care License

5. Welcome a sibling group into your home

Updates from the Proud Partners of Clark County Foster Care

This October kicks off the first ever Fostering Safety Drive. The cost associated with the safety equipment needed to become a foster parent is often a barrier to licensing. To support families on their journey to becoming foster parents, we are asking the community to donate new safety items such as smoke detectors, first aid kits, thermometers, fire escape ladders, and more. Drop off locations include all of the Clark County Parks and Recreation centers, the Clark County Fire Department Training Center at 4425 W. Tropicana, Clark County Fire Department Station 18 at 575 E. Flamingo, and New Life Office located at 7850 S. Dean Martin.

Additionally, the Proud Partners of Clark County Foster Care are getting in the holiday spirit and planning for the GIVE JOY Holiday Toy and Gift Card Drive. If your business, community group, or house of worship would like to run a holiday toy drive for children in foster care, please call (702) 455-4791 for more information.

Learn more about the Proud Partners of Clark County Foster Care at www.clarkcountyfostercare.com and look for the Proud Partners in the left navigation.