Being a foster parent is a massive responsibility in itself
but bringing home siblings is even a bigger one. However, sibling foster care
is common these days as social workers want them to be together and encourage
carers to bring them in as a group. If you are convinced that you can take this
responsibility, then it can be an amazing experience. But it is better to know
all your facts before committing to this responsibility. Here a few tips that
can help you in fostering a sibling group successfully.
Be realistic in your expectations
Undoubtedly, bringing in a sibling group can be a challenge
for a foster parent. It will mean more physical work in the household as you
will have more children to take care of. Further, you may have to deal with
group behavioral issues as they will have a sibling bonding. The best way to deal with the
situation is to be realistic in your expectations and gear up for the challenges
that lie ahead.
Consider each child as an individual
You may believe that a sibling group is a single unit, but
remember that each child is a unique individual who deserves to be treated like
one. Spend time with them separately to understand their likes and dislikes,
expectations and challenges so that you can know them better. This will help
you to handle them well enough and bond with each child separately.
Have a plan in place before bringing
them home
Since more children in your home means more space
requirement, it is best to have an accommodation plan in place before bringing
them home. Lisa Witter from PerpetualFostering explains that Perpetual Fostering
allows children to share a bedroom if the placement involves siblings, provided
that this decision is in the children's best interest.
Get your spouse and biological
children ready
Whether you are opting for a single foster child or a sibling
group, make sure that your spouse and biological children are ready for the
change. The initial phase can be as challenging for your family as it is for
the new members who are joining you and patience is the virtue that everyone
needs to embrace during this phase. Keeping your family involved will make the
transition easy for everyone.
Plan family activities together
A sibling group is bound to be closer together and connecting
with your family may be tough for them. Planning family activities such as weekend trips or a barbecue
in the garden is a great idea to spend time as a family rather than groups.
Make sure that everyone mingles with each other and enjoys the activity as a
single unit.
Being a foster parent to siblings can be truly rewarding as
it gives you the opportunity to keep children of the same family together.
Separating them can be a traumatic experience for these children and you can be
a true savior if you volunteer to take them in together. If you follow these
tips, sibling fostering will be much easier than you expect.
