Sibling Groups

Many children waiting for adoption are members of sibling groups. Research has shown that most children have better outcomes when they are able to maintain ties with their brothers and sisters. Most agencies work to place siblings in the same foster or adoptive home. When placing sibling groups in the same home is not possible, it is important that siblings maintain connections, when appropriate. Find resources in this section to learn about the adoption of children in sibling groups.

4 Things to Know About Adopting Sibling Groups
Kramer (2021)
Presents four things adoptive families should keep in mind when adopting sibling groups, one of which is being aware that each child will have unique needs, personalities, and experiences. This resource also explains why the concept of instant family doesn’t exist.

5 Reasons to Consider Adopting a Sibling Group
Indiana Adoption Program (2020)
Presents five key reasons for families to consider adopting a sibling group, including the sense of stability and security siblings provide, the mental health and attachment benefits, and more.

Adopting Siblings
A Family for Every Child (2020)
Discusses the ways in which adopting sibling groups can ease the transition into adoptive families and lessen the pressure and trauma a child might feel as a result of this change in their environment.

Helping Your Adopted Children Maintain Important Relationships With Family

Series Title	Factsheets for Families
Author(s)	Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability	View Download (PDF - 337KB) Order (Free)
Year Published	2019

Helps adoptive parents support children, youth, and birth families in strengthening their relationships. Children and youth who have been adopted and maintain relationships with their birth families, caregivers, and other important people in their lives benefit in significant ways. Adoptive parents can play an instrumental role in helping their children maintain contact with their birth families or other important caregivers.

Keeping Siblings Together
AdoptUSKids (2020)
Explains why sibling relationships are important to children in foster care. This resource also answers commonly asked questions about adopting sibling groups.

Sibling Issues in Foster Care and Adoption

Series Title	Bulletins for Professionals
Author(s)	Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability	View Download (PDF - 328KB) Order (Free)
Year Published	2019

Explores relevant research, strategies, and resources to assist child welfare professionals in preserving connections among siblings. Sibling relationships can provide positive support and improved outcomes for children involved with child welfare as well as for those in the general population. Connections with siblings can serve as a protective factor for children who have been removed from their birth homes, but for a variety of reasons, siblings may not be placed together or may not have regular contact.

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