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Adopting brother and sister groups

Friday 24 January 2025

There is currently a shortage of adopters in the North East for brothers and sisters waiting in the care system. ATV are passionate about keeping siblings together and are appealing for more people to come forward to find out more.

Adopting siblings can be a deeply rewarding experience, offering unique benefits and as with any parenting journey, some challenges. Let’s explore why adopting siblings might be the right choice for your family and what to expect along the way.

 

Benefits of Adopting Siblings

  1. Maintaining Family Bonds: Siblings share a unique bond that can provide emotional support and stability during the transition to a new home. Keeping siblings together helps preserve their sense of identity and continuity.
  2. Easier Adjustment: Having a familiar face can make the adjustment period smoother for adopted children. They can rely on each other for comfort and companionship, which can ease the stress of adapting to a new environment.
  3. Built-in Playmates: Siblings often entertain and support each other, reducing feelings of loneliness.
  4. Shared History: Siblings share a common background and experiences, which can be a source of strength and understanding. This shared history can help them navigate their new life together.
  5. One adoption process – if you see your family having more than one child, we would urge you to consider siblings. It also means only having to go through the adoption process once.

Challenges of Adopting Siblings

  1. Increased Responsibility: Adopting multiple children at once means more responsibilities. Parents need to be prepared for the demands of caring for more than one child, including managing different personalities and needs.
  2. Financial Considerations: Raising siblings can be more expensive due to the need for additional resources, such as food, clothing, and education. However, there may be financial support available to help manage these costs.
  3. Emotional and Behavioral Issues: Siblings may come with their own set of emotional and behavioral challenges, especially if they have experienced trauma. It’s important to be patient and seek professional support when needed.
  4. Balancing Attention: Ensuring each child receives individual attention can be challenging. Parents need to find a balance between fostering their bond as siblings and nurturing their individual needs.

Support

A full and enhanced support plan is given to all adopters upon being matched with children. You will be able to access peer support groups, family days and therapeutic intervention if this is needed (via an application to the Adoption Support Fund).

Adopting siblings can also come with financial assistance to help make the process more manageable.

Adopting siblings can be a beautiful journey filled with love, laughter, and growth. While it comes with its own set of challenges, the benefits of keeping siblings together far outweigh the difficulties. With the right support and resources, you can provide a nurturing environment where siblings can thrive together.

If you’re considering adopting siblings, remember that you’re not alone. There are many resources and communities ready to support you every step of the way. Embrace the journey with an open heart and a willingness to learn, and you’ll find that the rewards are immeasurable.

 

Call us to find out how we can support you to adopt 01642 526 400