Preserving Sibling Relationships

In Texas, approximately 35 – 40% of sibling groups in foster care are separated, and for sibling groups of 3 or more, it’s less than 50% placed together often due to the urgency to place children quickly. This same urgency should go into revisiting finding a placement that can keep the siblings together. Our CASA advocacy includes a responsibility to the children we serve to speak up in their best interest, which often means advocating alongside the other professionals and parties to make sure siblings are able to stay connected when separated while in foster care unless it is unsafe to do so for one or more of the children.

The panel discussion on Preserving Sibling Connections includes SMU Law Professor Diane Sumoski who talks about the legal rights of children in foster care regarding access to their siblings, as well as ways to advocate for and support sibling relationships for the children you serve. We will also had the opportunity to hear from local CASA program staff with lived experience who will share their inspiring experience with sibling group adoption and some practical best practices for advocating for sibling groups.

The handout includes resources and links to data for your area.