Fostering Siblings: Benefits, Challenges, & How to Start

If you are a potential foster parent who is wondering about fostering siblings, you’re not alone! There are many life-changing benefits for foster families who provide a loving home for brothers and sisters in foster care.

Research shows that approximately two-thirds or more of children in U.S. foster care have a sibling in care as well. And it’s estimated that between 50-80% of siblings in foster care are placed separately. This can make an already difficult transition even more challenging.

When you choose to foster siblings, you’re not just opening your home to multiple children — you’re keeping members of a family together and giving them the best possible chance at a bright future. 

What It Means to Be a Foster Parent to Siblings

Foster parents are unique in their dedication to providing loving care and a safe home for children who are unable to remain with their birth families. Unfortunately, many children in foster care face additional emotional hardships when they are separated from their siblings as well as birth parents.

It is widely recognized that siblings in foster care are better off in joint placement situations, when it is in everyone’s best interests. Brothers and sisters in foster care who are placed together are likely to experience fewer attachment, development, and stability issues.

However, it can be difficult to find foster families willing to take in more than one child. A lack of placement options may be due to insufficient resources, information, and understanding about what it means to be a foster parent to siblings. 

This is why it’s so important to learn about the wonderful opportunity of welcoming siblings into your foster home.

Siblings in Foster Care

Siblings enter foster care for various reasons, just as single children do. In some cases, it’s necessary to keep brothers and sisters apart while the family situation is resolved. Yet most of the time, placing siblings together in foster care results in healthier and more positive outcomes for everyone.

Understandably, there are instances when it’s not feasible for joint placement of siblings, such as:

• A large number of children in the sibling group
• Siblings entering foster care at different times
• Large age gap between siblings
• Significant difference in the level of care, including therapeutic foster care needs
• Limitations in foster home capacity, such as bedrooms and living space

Yet these instances are less common than you may think. Much of the time, siblings in foster care are in groups of two or three, close in age, and in need of nurturing foster parents to guide them.

Fostering Process for Siblings in Foster Care

The process for becoming a foster parent for siblings in foster care is nearly the same as it is for an individual child.

The basic requirements generally include:

• Minimum age - The age requirement for foster parents is usually 18 to 25 years old, depending on the type of foster care.
• Background checks - In most states, a thorough background check is required. This usually includes fingerprinting and criminal record screening. 
• Home study preparation - A home study is conducted to ensure the environment is safe. Potential foster parents can prepare their living space so it is suitable for children in foster care.
• Preservice sessions - Prospective foster parents must complete preservice sessions. Topics such as child development, trauma, and the responsibilities of foster parenting are usually covered.

Once the basic requirements are met, you can begin the application process and start your journey to becoming a licensed foster parent. Here are some of the important steps:

• Contact an organization - Start by contacting a local foster care organization. 
• Submit an application - Complete and submit the provided application form. This form gathers basic information about you and your household to begin the foster parenting process.
• Home study - After your application is reviewed and accepted, you will participate in the home study. Your home and family dynamics will be evaluated for safety and stability for children in foster care. This study involves interviews to assess your readiness to become a foster parent.
• Licensing - Once all steps are completed, including preservice sessions and additional requirements, your case will be reviewed. If everything is approved, you will receive your license as a foster parent.

Benefits of Becoming a Foster Parent to Siblings

Foster parenting is a big commitment with life-changing rewards. When foster parents welcome siblings into their home, they have an opportunity to support healing and form impactful relationships with multiple children.

Placements are likely to happen more quickly for foster parents who are open to siblings in foster care — especially since the need for loving homes is so great among these groups.

Foster families can also learn about different cultures and traditions from siblings in foster care with diverse backgrounds. This creates a shared experience that is unique and special.

Here are just some of the additional benefits of fostering siblings:

• Siblings can help each other communicate with foster parents
• Joint placement eases adjustments and transitions
• Emotional connections between siblings reduce stress and potential behavioral issues
• Welcoming siblings encourages and strengthens trust between children in foster care and foster parents
• Presence of siblings increases consistency and stability in the foster home
• Joint placement of brothers and sisters leads to more positive academic, social, and developmental outcomes
• Siblings enhance the feeling of being a close foster family

A Smoother Reunification Process

Reunification of the family is the main goal for children in foster care. This means that children in foster care are reunited with their birth families when it is considered a safe situation for those involved.

Though the reunification process is considered beneficial to reestablish the family unit, it can be an emotional transition for foster parents and the children in their care when placement comes to an end.

Fostering siblings can help ease the reunification process for foster parents in unexpected ways. Knowing that the children were kept together during a difficult time is reassuring, as their sibling bonds were uninterrupted. This likely increases the overall success of family reunification.

In addition, foster parents can take heart in the idea that siblings who have been in their care will have shared memories of their foster home and family members. This can double the sense of joy in looking back on time spent together.

Strategies for Fostering Siblings

Being a foster parent of brothers and sisters in foster care may feel like it has additional challenges, such as heightened emotions and family structures that differ from yours.

That’s why it’s important to consider successful strategies for fostering siblings. This will encourage cooperation in the home, understanding of routines and expectations, and positive relationships.

Help Everyone Feel at Home

Though siblings in foster care may be used to sharing, it’s important that each child has a space and things of their own. This may seem like a challenge in a busy household, but it’s an important way to make everyone feel at home and respected.

Kids in foster care, and especially siblings, deserve a quiet, private place where they can go to process their emotions, study for a test, or just enjoy some alone time. This can be anything from a bedroom to a special sitting area.

Celebrate Each Child’s Individuality 

Sometimes it’s difficult to remember that siblings are individuals first, especially if they are close in age or the same gender. When it comes to siblings in foster care, it’s important to keep their individuality in mind and celebrate each child for who they are.

Appreciating each child’s uniqueness will help them feel acknowledged and supported as they navigate their feelings and transitions. It will also set an excellent example for treating everyone with respect, whether they are related or not.

Here are some ways to celebrate each sibling’s individuality:

• Communicate with siblings together and apart so you can learn their mutual interests and what they each enjoy separately.
• Be available for each child so they don’t always feel dependent on each other as the only means of support.
• Find one-on-one activities that you can regularly do with each sibling to build positive relationships. It can be as simple as taking a walk, doing a puzzle, or baking a treat. Be sure to keep it age-appropriate and make each child feel special.  

Being a foster parent to siblings in foster care brings joy and the chance to help them thrive as individuals, as well as siblings.

Establish Routines and Inclusion for Siblings

Creating structure for siblings in foster care means balancing individual needs with family-wide expectations. Routines and a sense of inclusion can help keep the household running smoothly. When siblings see the same expectations apply to everyone, it inspires cooperation and unity. 

Routines can provide comfort for siblings in foster care who have likely undergone difficult transitions. Having consistent meal times, intervals for activity, and quiet time to study or relax at the end of the day will allow everyone to adjust and enjoy predictability.

Including siblings in foster care in your family schedule and activities will also help them feel at home and like they belong. This also encourages all family members to connect, create memories, and have fun with each other.

RELATED CONTENT: Want to connect with families on similar journeys? Read letters from parents who have opened their homes to children in foster care and learn from their experiences. 

Answers to Common Questions about Fostering Siblings 

The foster parent journey comes with a lot of questions — and fostering siblings can feel like a big step. Remember that you are never alone as you prepare and go through the process. 

Here are some of the most common questions families ask about siblings in foster care. 

Can I Choose to Foster Siblings? 

Yes, and being open to fostering siblings can actually lead to quicker placements once you are licensed as a foster parent. It can be difficult to find foster parents for sibling groups in foster care — so your willingness to embrace them is welcome! 

Can I Become a Foster Parent to My Siblings?

In many states, if you meet the age requirement, you can apply to become a foster parent for your brothers, sisters, or step-siblings. This is a form of kinship care, in which children who cannot be with their birth parents are placed in the care of a qualified relative.

How Will Choosing to Foster Siblings Impact My Chances of Placement?

Foster families willing to accept siblings are in high demand. If you’re able to foster multiple children, you may increase your chances of placement since most organizations want to keep siblings together when possible. 

Do I Need an Additional License to Foster Siblings? 

No, you don’t need an additional license beyond the standard foster care license in your state. Inform your caseworker or foster care organization that you’re interested in caring for siblings, and they’ll update your license to reflect your preference. 

Can I Foster Siblings If I Already Have a Child in My Care?

Yes, you can, as long as you meet all requirements. Preparing your child for this transition will go a long way in helping everyone adjust. Make sure each child has their own space and is comfortable talking about their feelings so they are heard and supported. 

How Many Siblings Might I Be Asked to Foster?

Sibling groups in foster care usually range from two children to five or more, though larger groups are less common. Most sibling placements involve two to three children. Your foster care organization will work with you to determine how many siblings would be a good fit. 

What If Siblings Don’t Get Along? 

Conflict between siblings is perfectly normal, especially after undergoing a traumatic experience. Professional support, a consistent routine, and loving, patient attention can help siblings in foster care get along with each other. 

Talk to an Expert to See If Fostering Siblings Is Right for You

Becoming a foster parent to siblings in foster care is an important decision and life-changing reward. It also has an enormous impact on the lives of the brothers and sisters in need of a welcoming and stable home.

Remember that you have support every step of the way.

Talk to a foster care expert to see if fostering siblings is right for you and your life circumstances. Get personalized advice about steps to take and what to expect about the process of keeping siblings in foster care together.