SIBLING GROUP CARE
SIBLING GROUP CARE
Helping Brothers and Sisters Stay Together
For many children entering care, a brother or sister may be their strongest source of familiarity, comfort, and connection. Being removed from home is already a significant transition. When appropriate, remaining together can help siblings maintain an important sense of family and continuity.
Serving sibling groups is an important part of Sunshine’s residential program. Our network of homes provides greater flexibility to consider placements involving brothers and sisters of different ages and developmental stages.
Sunshine works with the child’s authorized team to support sibling placements that are appropriate for each child and compatible with the needs of the household.
Supporting the Sibling Relationship
When siblings are placed together, Sunshine works to:
- Preserve important sibling relationships
- Help siblings maintain familiar routines and shared traditions
- Provide space for siblings to spend time together
- Recognize the needs and personality of each individual child
- Encourage healthy communication within the sibling group
- Support children as they adjust to a new home together
- Balance the needs of the sibling group with the needs of other residents
Although siblings share an important relationship, each child is treated as an individual. Staff consider each child’s age, interests, strengths, responsibilities, and personal goals.
When Siblings Cannot Live Together
There may be circumstances in which siblings cannot be placed in the same home due to availability, age, individual needs, safety considerations, or decisions made by their authorized team.
When siblings live separately, Sunshine supports approved efforts to help them maintain meaningful contact and preserve their relationship.
Whenever possible and appropriate, entering care should not mean losing the connection between brothers and sisters.
