Essay On Foster Siblings
There are numerous articles on the impact of separation on foster siblings. Yet, the impact on older siblings might be more intense. Teenagers tend to have more mental health issues, delinquency issues, truancy issues and placement changes. Knowing where their siblings are and having meaningful contact with them decreases all those negatives. Anything foster parents can do to decrease risk factors is a plus.
Older Siblings in Foster Care
Older children in foster care come from one of two situations. Either they have been in and out of foster care their entire lives, or they are new to foster care and may feel even more separated from the only life and only family they've ever known.
According to Vera Fahlberg in the book A Child's Journey Through Placement, the older a child is, the more traumatic a …show more content…
Regardless of how the teen seems to be adjusting, it is smart to go ahead and set up some counseling with a licensed therapist. There are likely many reasons the children are in foster care. A counselor can help a child begin to work through some of the emotional issues. This will benefit both the older foster child and his younger brothers and sisters as he will relate to them in a healthier manner.
Honesty
Don't make promises you can't keep. You are only in control of what you are able to provide. Don't promise the teen he'll see his little brother when you aren't in control whether the other foster family will comply. Instead, tell him that you are trying to arrange a lunch, meeting at the park, or evening together and will let him know if it is confirmed.
In one study about how children perceive relationships, it was shown that foster children often put more importance on siblings. This may be due to the structure of a dysfunctional family unit. Siblings rely on each other more than in a functional situation. Taking the time to maintain those relationships may be the key to helping foster children
Older Siblings in Foster Care
Older children in foster care come from one of two situations. Either they have been in and out of foster care their entire lives, or they are new to foster care and may feel even more separated from the only life and only family they've ever known.
According to Vera Fahlberg in the book A Child's Journey Through Placement, the older a child is, the more traumatic a …show more content…
Regardless of how the teen seems to be adjusting, it is smart to go ahead and set up some counseling with a licensed therapist. There are likely many reasons the children are in foster care. A counselor can help a child begin to work through some of the emotional issues. This will benefit both the older foster child and his younger brothers and sisters as he will relate to them in a healthier manner.
Honesty
Don't make promises you can't keep. You are only in control of what you are able to provide. Don't promise the teen he'll see his little brother when you aren't in control whether the other foster family will comply. Instead, tell him that you are trying to arrange a lunch, meeting at the park, or evening together and will let him know if it is confirmed.
In one study about how children perceive relationships, it was shown that foster children often put more importance on siblings. This may be due to the structure of a dysfunctional family unit. Siblings rely on each other more than in a functional situation. Taking the time to maintain those relationships may be the key to helping foster children