Include the importance of sibling connections in resource parent training

About this recommendation

It's important to make it clear to potential and new resource parents that if they take placement of a child who is separated from their siblings, it's expected that they help keep the children in their care connected to those siblings. A new resource parent may not even think to ask about a child's siblings or may not feel empowered to organize calls and visits. Training is a great place to set the expectation and cultural norms that sibling connections are important and maintaining them is part of a resource parent's responsibility.

How to do this

• Include content on sibling connections in your resource parent training. Include specifics, and make it clear in what ways the resouce parents are empowered to connect with one another, bring siblings together, invite siblings to their home, and other details.

Anticipated costs and benefits

Who's doing this

2 of 54 states and territories have implemented this recommendation.

• Frederick County, MD includes content on keeping siblings connected in its PRIDE training.
• San Diego County, CA repeatedly talks about sibling connections as part of Quality Parenting Initiative.