Laura Sharman 08 September 2014

A third of foster children split from siblings

One in three children placed into foster care have been separated from their siblings, according to new research.

Information published by Action for Children found that a third of children (3,582) were separated from their brothers and sisters when placed in foster care, with half of all children saying it made them feel ‘upset and angry’.

The charity warns this practice can affect the emotional and mental health of children, and lead to further problems in adulthood such as substance addiction and criminal activity.

Sir Tony Hawkhead, chief executive of Action for Children, said: ‘For many children, being taken into care can be a confusing and upsetting time; add the distress of being split up from your brother or sister into the mix and the impact will last a lifetime.

‘We know that in some cases children can be so badly hurt by what has happened to them before going into care, including severe neglect and abuse, that they need one–to-one support. In the vast majority of cases, however, siblings benefit hugely by staying together and that's why we need more foster carers to help them.’

The charity’s Freedom of Information request revealed 11,082 children from sibling groups were placed in local authority foster care over the last financial year.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Part Time Finance Administrator

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Finance AdministratorPermanent, Part Time£25,081 per annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Customer Services Adviser (Housing Repairs

Mansfield District Council
£28,598 - £33,699 per annum
Mansfield is a town of towns at the centre of things in Nottinghamshire - a place of many strong connections Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

No Wrong Door Deputy Manager

North Yorkshire Council
From £47,181 up to £51,356 per annum pro rata
We’re looking for a passionate, driven, and dynamic professional to join our management team within our innovative No Wrong Door (NWD) service. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Resource Centre Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£34,434 - £38,220 per annum pro rata
You will work closely with families and other professionals to ensure that you have sound knowledge of the children you are caring for Morton on Swale, Northallerton
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata
Our Family Assessment and Support Teams you will work with a range of children and their families, carers and networks. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner