MAINTAINING SIBLING RELATIONSHIPS - NEGLECTED DIMENSION IN CHILD-CAREPRACTICE

This article describes some of the findings of a study undertaken to e valuate all foster and adoptive placements in one local authority soci al work department in Scotland. The numbers, characteristics and care experiences of children in foster and adoptive care were considered. T he study found that for the majority of children placement in foster c are led to separation from siblings. The children were most vulnerable to separation at points of entry and leaving care. Separation from br others and sisters can have lifelong consequences for the child and hi s or her siblings, as few of the children were found to have plans whi ch included reunification with their siblings. A fragmented picture em erged concerning siblings' living situations. Children were found to h ave siblings living in a variety of situations, both in and outwith th e care system. Social workers lacked full information about the family composition where contact with parents was lost or siblings had moved from the area. Children were most likely to be placed with siblings i n temporary and relative foster placements.