Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-lj6df Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-07T01:13:36.220Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Placing sibling groups together in foster care: The Oz Child sibling group placement program

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 February 2016

Fiona Fischer
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Sibling groups placed in out-of-home care are often separated due to the relatively small number of caregivers who are able to care for large sibling groups, as well as the individual needs of the children. This article briefly explores the complexities of sibling placement within the international, national and Victorian contexts. It continues with a description of the Oz Child Sibling Group Placement Program which was implemented in Victoria's Southern Region to place sibling groups of three or more children together in foster care. The results of a review of the program are presented, including referral statistics, placement data and caregiver feedback. The article concludes with the consideration of recommendations for change as a result of the review.

Type
Research Article
Information
Children Australia , Volume 27 , Issue 2 , 2002 , pp. 17 - 22
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2002

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Ames Reed, J. (1994) ‘We Live Here Too: Birth children's perspectives on fostering someone with learning disabilities’, Children and Society, 8, 2, 164–73.Google Scholar
Bilson, A. & Barker, R. (1992-1993) ‘Siblings of children in care or accommodation: A neglected area of practice’, Practice, 6, 4, 307–328.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Children and Young Persons Act (1989) VGPO, Melbourne.Google Scholar
Children's Welfare Association of Victoria (1987) Future Directions Facing Foster Care. Google Scholar
Children's Welfare Association of Victoria (1994), Fact Sheet on Fostering.Google Scholar
Community Services Victoria (1992) Working together for children's future: The role and impact of the Children and Young Persons Act 1989, Fitzroy: CSV.Google Scholar
Hegar, R.L. (1988) ‘Sibling relationships and separations: Implications for child placement’, Social Service Review, 62, 3, 446–467.Google Scholar
Hindle, D. (1995) ‘Thinking about siblings who are fostered together’, Adoption and Fostering, 19, 1, 14–20.Google Scholar
Kosonen, M. (1994) ‘Sibling relationships for children in the care system’, Adoption and Fostering, 18, 3, 446–467 Google Scholar
Kosonen, M. (1996) ‘Maintaining sibling relationships: Neglected dimension in child care practice’, British Journal of Social Work, 26, 809–822.Google Scholar
Morrison, T. & Brown, J. (1986) ‘Splitting siblings’, Adoption and Fostering, 10, 4, 47–51.Google Scholar
Owen, J. (1996) Every Childhood Lasts a Lifetime: personal stories from the frontline of family breakdown, Australian Association of Young People in Care, Brisbane.Google Scholar
Smith, M.C. (1996) ‘An exploratory survey of foster mother and caseworker attitudes about sibling placement’, Child Welfare, LXXV, 4, July-August, 357–375.Google Scholar
Victorian Association of Young People in Care (1997) Information Pack.Google Scholar
Ward, M. (1984) ‘Sibling ties in fostercare and adoption planning’, Child Welfare, LXIII, 4, 321–331.Google Scholar