Why do we need to foster siblings together?
Over 12,000 children looked after in the UK have been separated from at least one of their siblings.
It can be difficult to place larger family groups, especially with groups of 3 or more siblings. This is why we urgently need more foster families who can give siblings a home together.
The relationship a child who is looked after has with their brother or sister can be one of the most important in their life. This is why we urgently need more foster families who can give a home to siblings.
Imagine being taken away from your home, your friends, your parents, everything you know and love. Then you can’t be with your brother or sister. Imagine how upset, overwhelmed and alone you would feel…and you’re only 4 years old. Sadly this is true for many children across the UK. Help us stop this being a reality for children in Solihull by giving a new home to siblings.
Children entering the care system who have been separated from their brothers or sisters may feel less secure and find it harder to form bonds and make attachments.
Opening your heart and home to one child is amazing. Imagine how rewarding it would be knowing you’re the reason siblings are able to stay together in a family home.
Frequently asked questions
Why are there so many siblings split up in the care system?
Sadly, the UK urgently needs more foster carers who can offer a home to siblings, including in the West Midlands. Help reduce the number of children needing a caring home in Solihull by becoming a foster carer. Our personalised application process can take as little as 5 months, so you could be welcoming a group of siblings sooner than you think.
I only have one spare room, can I foster siblings?
Yes this is definitely a possibility same sex siblings under the age of 10 may be able to share a room. It is subject to each child and what is the least disruptive for them. We review it on a case by case basis, for example if they’ve always shared a room and there is sufficient space for them to feel secure and safe. However, as they get older they may require separate bedrooms.
What is the family time arrangement like for foster carers who look after siblings?
Siblings can require additional family time together as well as separately with parents, depending upon needs, so you may need to factor this in when organising arrangements. Your dedicated supervising social worker will be able to offer guidance and support on this.
What support and help will I receive?
We pay our foster carers an average of £417 per week per child as a thank you for their hard work and dedication to supporting children and young people in our community.
There are also other benefits. Our foster carers can receive additional payments of up to £1,039 for a child aged 0-4, right up to £1,502.30 for a child aged 16, to cover costs like birthdays, religious, cultural holidays, clothing, equipment and school uniform.
As a foster carer, you will also receive generous local and national discounts at a number of places for family activities.
We offer a range of support networks for all children looked after, regardless of age, gender or sibling group status. We commission Heart of England foundation Trust to provide LATCH, which is a psychological support service for children who are looked after.
As a foster carer, you're never alone. Our community of foster carers meet up regularly to make new friends and share useful tips and advice.
Foster for Solihull runs regular, specialised support groups so that you can engage with local foster carers with similar circumstances. They are always free to attend and they are always happy to welcome new carers.
"Ben and Alex have completely different personalities. Ben was shy and reserved when he came to live with us, he’s certainly come out of his shell now!
It’s been a pleasure watching the boys' close bond develop, I’m so proud of them.
Knowing I’ve played a part in keeping them together is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done."
Upcoming events
Could you foster? Foster care coffee morningMon 19 MayCivic Suite, adj to Council House