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Sibling relationships in the care system: Attachment, separation and contact issues

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 February 2016

Helen Schwenke ,
Susan Hudd  and
David Vicary
Helen Schwenke
Affiliation:
Program and Sector Development, Department for Community Development, WA
Susan Hudd
Affiliation:
Program and Sector Development, Department for Community Development, WA
David Vicary
Affiliation:
Office for Children and Youth Centre for Vulnerable Children, University of Western Australia School of Psychology, Curtin University of Technology. Email: david.vicary@dcd.wa.gov.au
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Abstract

A number of key authors maintain sibling relationships are absolutely crucial when considering out-of-home care options, while policy derived from theory and practice must guarantee that the best interests of the child(ren) are taken into account. Furthermore, placing siblings together is most likely to be a protective factor against placement breakdown. This being the case, care plans should focus on ensuring sibling connectedness and the maintenance of emotional bonds into adulthood.

This paper discusses current out-of-home care policy and practice in Western Australia which incorporates research from (1) attachment theory, (2) family structure, (3) cultural diversity, (4) development, (5) contact, (6) care planning, and (7) long-term care to provide guidance when considering siblings entering the out-of-home care system. The authors contend that this approach improves decision making practice and is consistent with new legislation — the Children and Community Services Act 2004, which is expected to be introduced in Western Australia on 1 March 2006, and which has as its underlying principle the best interests of the child.

Type
Research Article
Information
Children Australia , Volume 31 , Issue 1 , 2006 , pp. 5 - 11
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2006

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