Why we foster siblings

Many children who come into care do so with their brothers and sisters and whenever possible we try to keep them together. To do this, we need more foster carers with space in their heart and home, to open their homes to sibling groups.

Keeping siblings together gives them the comfort of having someone with them who they know and trust. They can provide each other with support and can offer a sense of belonging and consistency.

Nikki, age 51 from East Dorset, has fostered with Dorset Council for five years. During this time, she has been a long-term foster carer to two sisters. They arrived with her at age nine and six and were immediately welcomed into her family.

She says, “When we were approached and asked if we'd offer a home to two sisters, we thought it completely made sense to welcome them both. The room we had put aside was the biggest in the house with two single beds and I liked the idea of keeping them together.

“When the girls arrived, they were adorable from day one. They are a constant source of comfort to one another. Having somebody else within the household that they already love and trust reduces anxiety for them. I would say it helps them to feel safe and less isolated from their family.”

During their time with Nikki, the girls have found their feet and discovered their own passions and interests.

She says, “The best thing about fostering so far has been seeing the girls blossom and come into their own. Seeing them develop their own style and interests has been wonderful to see. They both have their own passions, and they take every opportunity given to them with both hands and run with it.

“In our case, keeping the girls together was 100% the right choice. I know this isn't always the case, but for us I cannot imagine it any other way. They know they are loved and cared for and we couldn’t imagine being without them both.”

Theresa Leavy, Dorset Council's Executive Director for Children’s Services said:

“We need more foster carers to help keep children and young people in Dorset, close to the people and places that are important to them. We have a great need for more loving homes, especially for teenagers, sibling groups, children with special educational needs and disabilities, and for asylum-seeking children. By offering a young person or sibling group a safe and loving home, you will be making a huge difference and can change a child’s life for the better."

To find out more about fostering with Dorset Council and the support available, head to our website, download an information pack or request a call-back from our team.

Head to our fostering events page to find out when the fostering information stand will be in your local area. Current foster carers regularly attend on the stand and are happy to share their fostering experiences.