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.
