“When we were providing emergency care it was important to us, that whenever possible, we kept children coming into care with their siblings. It often made life a little bit easier for them. Watching our little ones grow up together is great to see. They have that natural sibling relationship, complete with squabbles and fun.

We adjust our parenting for each child. As much as it would be nice to have a ‘one size fits all’ approach because the children are related, they have both experienced their trauma differently… they each have sensory needs, but one is a sensory seeker and one is a sensory avoider, which can be a challenge as one will trigger the other.”

In celebration of National Sibling Day, we want to honour all Foster Carers that are doing all that they can to ensure children and young people in care can maintain and grow up with meaningful connections with their siblings.

To those caring for and supporting sibling relationships in various circumstances – many of you are going to great lengths to ensure children and young people have meaningful family connections and you are making a remarkable difference in their lives. Thank you for all that you do.

Asking Carol and Vinnie about their experience and the unique rewards of fostering siblings, they shared; “watching them grow up together. Our children are two of a sibling group of four. It’s hard seeing the others separated but lovely that the ones we care for can grow up together and experience all the joys and frustrations that siblings bring.”