Adopting Siblings: Issues to Consider

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Are you considering adopting a sibling group? Join us for this interview with Deborah Bass Artis, MSW and Senior Program Director of Foster Care to Permanency with Children’s Home Society of NC.

In this episode, we discuss:

1. Why is it important to keep siblings together when placed for foster care or adoption?
2. Advantages to adopting siblings.
3. Special issues to consider
   1. Thinking About Adopting a Sibling Group? Things to Consider First
   2. Practical Tips for Fostering a Sibling Group
4. Integrating siblings with children already in the family
   1. Involve children already in the family
   2. Get your support network in place before you adopt 
   3. Suggested books for helping siblings understand adoption. 
5. Parentified child
   1. Tips for handling a parentified child. 
      1. Parenting Tips for a Parentified Child
6. Overcoming unhealthy dynamics from their past
   1. One child was the favorite in their previous family or families.
   2. Sibling rivalry 
7. When is it not a good idea to keep siblings together?
8. Consider your motivation carefully- be honest with yourself and your partner about your desire to adopt a sibling group. 
9. Tips for parents adopting or fostering a sibling group 
   1. Educate yourself before opening your home to a sibling group- it always helps to have realistic expectations
   2. Be patient with yourselves and the children- it’s a big adjustment for everyone.
   3. Develop your support system ahead of time.
   4. Take care of yourself. Spending time on things that are important to you is not selfish!
   5. If married, ensure your marriage/partnership remains strong- it is the foundation of your family’s health.
   6. If single, maintain your friendships. You need to have a life outside of your children.
   7. Find individual time with each child in the family 
   8. Pay attention to each child’s interests and personality and create opportunities for those to grow. Don’t treat the sibling group as a unit.
   9. Seek out professional support for the family when needed.

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