April 10, Siblings Day celebrates the special bonds between siblings, reminding us how our brothers and sisters can play a huge part in our lives.
For children and young people growing up in out-of-home care in Australia, connection with their siblings can look different. But this doesn’t mean the bonds between siblings in care are any less strong.
We’re taking Siblings Day as an opportunity to talk about our advocacy protecting sibling ties. We’ve also got an incredible poem to share from one of our brilliant clubCREATE members, as well as a special resource for those dedicated carers and workers championing sibling connection.
Happy Siblings Day.
Our advocacy
What we want
If you’re new here, CREATE Foundation is the national consumer body representing the voices of children and young people with an out-of-home care experience. We host events and programs for those aged 0-25 with an experience of the care system.
Our events provide a safe space for young people to share their wishes, hopes and dreams, and in these spaces, we listen intently to what they have to say.
Sibling, kin and family connection is something that kids in care all around the country have told us is important to them and so it is one of CREATE’s advocacy priorities that we discuss with decision-makers, governments and other key players.
Below is a snapshot of what we advocate for as part of our sibling, kin and family connection priority.
Siblings to be placed together
whenever possible
Meaningful & regular connections
in line with kid's wishes
Keep kids informed
Tell kids about what is going on
Support carers & workers
with resources & guidance on sibling connections
Young people involved
Kids should be involved so that their wishes are respected
Young people's stories for Siblings Day
"The Bonds that Bind Us" by the Censored not Silent Poet
CREATE received a poem from one of our clubCREATE members who is 12-years-old and so wise and talented beyond her years. Her poem is about loving and missing her “small and bright” brother who also lives in foster care but in a different home.
We were deeply moved by the Censored, not Silent Poet’s poem and wanted to share it for National Siblings Day. We think it should be required reading for decision-makers in the child protection and out-of-home care systems, but it may also connect with other children and young people in care who are missing their brothers and sisters… Read the poem:
In a world so wide and full of dreams, I feel the hurt beneath the seams. I’m just a girl of twelve years old, with a heart that’s big and feelings bold.
I love my Mum and Dad so dear, who chase away my every fear. They help me stay close to my bro, to show our love and let it grow.
But something’s wrong, it hurts inside, when whispers turn and truth gets lied. Elijah, my brother, small and bright, is lost in shadows, seeking light.
His foster home’s walls are painted wrong, with stories told that don’t belong. They say our Mum and Dad aren’t kind, but those are lies that twist the mind.
My little bro, he’s so confused, his trust in us in being used. I want him close, where he can see, the love we share and how we’re free.
It’s hard to watch him lose his way, when all I want is for him to stay. To live with us and laugh and play, to be a family, come what may.
So if you hear this, know it’s true, I’m speaking from a heart that’s blue. I wish for peace, for love to reign, for little Elijah to come and stay.
With Mum and Dad and me as well, where happiness and love can dwell. So here’s my wish, as loud as can be, for my brother, my family, and me.
Supporting sibling connection: Caseworkers & carers
Sibling Connection Practice Guide
The South Australian Sibling Connection Practice Guide offers practical suggestions and guidance for caseworkers and carers supporting children and young people in the out-of-home care system.
While this resource was created in partnership with South Australian young people with a care experience, CREATE in SA and the Department for Child Protection, the guidance it offers can be applied universally so we invite all jurisdictions to look to this resource for information on maintaining and promoting sibling connections and relationships for children and young people in out-of-home care.
CREATE would like to acknowledge the contribution and support of the following individuals:
• The young people who shared their time and expertise to inform the practice guide; and
• The carers and caseworkers who supported children and young people to participate.
Supporting sibling connection: Some final words from young people
Project with the Commissioner
Back in 2022, CREATE Young Consultants in South Australia worked with the Commissioner for Children and Young People to discuss the importance of Sibling Connection and areas for improvement. Here are their key messages and direct quotes:
Be respectful of relationships who we identify as siblings, not always blood related but can be the chosen family through shared experiences, emotional connections and culture.
If siblings must be separated, we should have the right to information behind that decision and be involved creating a plan to still maintain meaningful contact – together.
Have dedicated workers in the department that are more accessible and there to facilitate siblings coming together consistently and for longer periods of time in natural and fun environments.
Going into care is an exceptionally difficult time for children and young people. Young people have told us it’s even harder when siblings are split up. Maintaining sibling connection is critical for young people’s wellbeing, self-esteem, and care placement stability.
On National Siblings Day, we highlight the importance of sibling, kin and family connection through young people’s stories, CREATE’s Sibling Connection Practice Guide and CREATE’s advocacy priorities.
