When you make the decisions to become a foster parent, it’s likely you picture yourself taking in one vulnerable child at a time. It can be daunting enough to take on one child, so the thought of fostering two, three or possibly more vulnerable children at the same time can be terrifying. For this reason, thousands of siblings end up being separated. Not only is this devastating to the children, but it can also have a really negative impact on their mental health.
Fostering siblings isn’t just beneficial for the children, it can also be a fantastic experience for the carer. If you’ve never considered taking on children with brothers or sisters, then below you’ll discover 3 reasons you might want to change your mind.
1. Siblings kept together adjust easier to their new foster home
One of the main concerns people usually have when they consider fostering is how the child will settle in. While all carers are provided with full support and training so they are confident they have the necessary skills, it can still be a daunting accepting a child into your home for the first time.
However, studies have shown that siblings who are kept together settle into foster care quickly. An interesting document on the Child Welfare government website also highlights how siblings often experience more stability and fewer disruptions than children placed alone in a foster setting.
2. You’ll experience a stronger bond with siblings
As siblings are often happier when placed together, they tend to adjust quicker and therefore develop a better bond with their carers. Seeing them happier because they haven’t been separated is also a wonderful feeling. There’s also more of a ‘family’ dynamic that siblings bring to the home.
3. It’s a rewarding, satisfying experience
Helping out any vulnerable child is a rewarding experience. However, with siblings you benefit from making a difference to not just one child, but also to two or more. Sure it’s more challenging taking in more than one child at a time, but the rewards you reap from doing so more than make up for the extra work.
Obviously if you do decide to take on siblings, your fostering allowance will compensate for this. You’ll also have an excellent support system available, as well as be provided with in-depth training to ensure you have the necessary skills required.
Overall fostering siblings is a wonderful experience that really does make a significant difference to the children, not just in the short term, but in the long-term also. Think you have the time and space to help keep siblings together? Contact is today.