Mark Whitehead 01 November 2018

Care and adoption can mean 'heartbreaking' separation from siblings, say lawyers

Children going into care or being adopted often risk losing touch with their brothers and sisters, according to new research – even though these can be their most important relationships.

Legal experts at Birkbeck College say sibling relationships are recognised as the longest lasting in most people's lives but are often lost sight of in care and adoption proceedings.

They spoke to judges who deal with care and adoption who said children drifting apart from their siblings was 'heartbreaking' and often the most difficult for them to cope with.

The report says there is a 'profound reluctance to use existing legal measures to order contact between separated siblings' and young people often do not know what law can do to help them.

Birkbeck’s Professor Daniel Monk who led the research said: 'The judges we spoke to described decisions which impact on siblings as "the hardest", "the most difficult", and "heartbreaking".

'There are no easy answers and there will always be a limit to what law can do, but it is important that law and practice understand why siblings sometimes slip from view and are able to address this wherever possible.'

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Purchase to Pay Administrator (Fixed Term) - WMF2122e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£25,584 - £25,992
We are looking for an Administrator to join our Purchase to Pay and Accounts Receivables team Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - WMF2123e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£41,511 - £42,708
We’re looking for passionate social workers to join our team in Kendal following a recent reshape of our services. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Environmental Health Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£38,626 - £41,511
We are looking to appoint a full time Environmental Health Officer within the Environmental Protection and Community Safety Department. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Trainee Graduate Accountant

Wyre Borough Council
£25,992 - £37,938
Are you looking to kickstart your career in Finance? Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Environmental Services Support Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£25,183 - £25,584
We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Environmental Services Support Officer to join our Environment Directorate. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner