Evaluation of Siblings Together Buddy Project

Changes in the well-being of the children and young people involved:

• Young people greatly enjoyed the contact with their siblings and wanted more frequent contact and for longer.
• The high quality of the Buddies contributed to their positive experiences.
• Five young people’s behaviour significantly improved.
• Most of the young people developed greater confidence.
• Older teenagers discussed futures, relationships, college and housing with siblings and Buddies.

 Changes in relationships between siblings and with family:

• Relationships between siblings improved significantly.
• Young people demonstrated closer, more affectionate, support to one another and found each other’s company to be a source of fun and laughter.
• Siblings supported one another through crises e.g. placement changes, bereavements.
• Siblings developed their sense of identity as part of a family through jointly experienced histories.

 Implications for Policy & Practice:

• Give siblings, placed separately in care, informal opportunities to meet and participate in activities.
• Provide support for siblings to meet in order to ensure safeguarding but not to impose formal contact.
• Use volunteers who are trained and supported to undertake this role.
• Fund activities and travel to enable them to meet – this is an investment in developing greater placement stability and increasing well-being.

Final Report

Key Messages