Siblings in Care: Strengthening Bonds for Better Outcomes

Sibling relationships are often the most stable and enduring bonds children experience, but these bonds can be disrupted for those in care. At ACCA, we believe sibling connections should be prioritised in social care, especially when children are separated from their families.

Research shows that over 37% of children in care are separated from at least one sibling, leaving a significant emotional gap. These relationships, built on shared experiences and mutual support, provide a sense of belonging essential for emotional well-being, stability, and identity.

Despite the importance of sibling bonds, the system often overlooks or under-supports these relationships. Children are sometimes separated based on factors like age or gender or due to a lack of adequate foster placements. While practical decisions may dictate these separations, the emotional impact on children can be profound. Many children in care speak of their longing to maintain close sibling relationships, which can often be a source of love and support in an otherwise unstable environment.

While there are valid reasons for separating siblings, such as individual needs or the skillset required by foster carers, keeping them together whenever possible offers significant advantages. Evidence shows that siblings placed together tend to adjust to their new environments more efficiently, trust their carers sooner, and experience better overall outcomes. Staying with their siblings provides a sense of continuity, reduces anxiety, and strengthens emotional bonds. Consistent and meaningful contact should be prioritised when separation is unavoidable to help maintain these critical connections.

At ACCA, we understand sibling contact can be logistically complex, but we are committed to finding solutions. We advocate for innovative approaches where children can connect in fun, therapeutic, and supportive environments. This ensures their relationships are nurtured, even when they cannot live together.

Social care services must adopt a child-centric approach that emphasises the emotional needs of children in care. Whether through better foster placements, increased sibling contact, or simply listening more closely to children, we can work towards a system that values the bonds that matter most to children—their siblings.

Our focus is on providing training, support, and tools to ensure that no child in care is left feeling disconnected from the only family they know. Sibling relationships must be cherished and protected as they are central to a child’s ability to feel loved and understood. We are committed to making this a reality for children across the UK’s care system.