One of the primary focuses of the Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) when children come into foster care is to keep brothers and sisters together. Two-thirds of children in foster care are accompanied by a sibling or two, or more. Currently in the Salt Lake Area we have seen a large surge in sibling groups needing placement; in the last month, there have been more than ten placement requests for sibling groups of 3 or more. This has become a more pressing situation than we have seen in the past. In fact, in speaking with my colleagues in other parts of the state, this need for families to care for sibling groups is universal.
It’s to the point now that we are strongly encouraging all foster families to consider opening your homes to the placement of sibling groups … immediately.
Not all families may be in a place to help, due to space restrictions or other reasons, but there are many of you reading this article who can help. Please discuss this as a family to seriously consider what it will take for your family to accept placement of a sibling group. When you feel you can be of help with this urgent need, or have questions as to what this might look like for your family, please contact Utah Foster Care. You will be provided with insightful training and peer support from other families and DCFS workers.
Thank you for all you do for Utah’s children—you make more of a difference than you realize!
Have questions about fostering sibling groups? Call today: 1 (877) 505-5437
