Sibling adoption helps children move smoothly through the foster care system. It’s also a rewarding experience for parents.

According to the most recent data from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis System, as of 2023, there are approximately 347,077 children in foster care. Approximately 65-85% have siblings, but approximately 53-80% get separated.

Read on to learn the importance and process of sibling adoption.

The Importance of Keeping Siblings Together

Sibling adoption has a long-term effect on physical and emotional health. Siblings placed together have:

• Fewer failed placements
• Better mental health
• Stronger social skills
• Improved performance at school
• Stronger emotional stability

This is partially because of the built-in support system it creates. The Newport Institute says children in the foster care system are approximately 62% more likely to have experienced trauma. Siblings can help each other through overcoming:

• Domestic violence
• Neglect
• Abuse
• Abandonment

Benefits of Sibling Adoption

There are several benefits of sibling adoption.

You get the family size you always wanted. The siblings instantly have a friend to help them through life, even if they fight from time to time.

It creates a sense of stability for sibling groups. They don’t have to get used to one type of life and then suddenly adjust to another.

Existing bonds aren’t broken or damaged. They won’t lose any precious time with their siblings.

Legal Considerations

Most Florida adoption laws aim to preserve sibling groups. Florida Statutes § 63.022(3) says the aim of the court is to keep sibling groups together.

Age isn’t a problem. Teens aged 16-18 can be adopted as siblings.

There are also options for the times when sibling adoption falls through. Contact agreements can be set up so that the siblings can still see each other.

How Does Adoption Affect Siblings?

The importance of keeping siblings together is clear. Separating them can cause grief or isolation. Keeping them together helps them have a more stable environment. It can also lead to more squabbles or fights in certain circumstances.

At the same time, it does create potential challenges that prospective adoptive parents should be aware of. Adoption affects every child differently. They may take to a new family easily or have difficulty adjusting. 

Children may have also taken on a parental role with their siblings over the years. They may have trouble getting out of it and letting you take charge as the parent.

Starting The Sibling Adoption Process

The sibling adoption process can be long, and it can also be expensive. Preparing yourself in advance makes it easier.

Get to know the challenges sibling adoption can create. The more you’re prepared for them, the less they will overwhelm you from beginning to end.

How Long Does it Take to Adopt a Sibling?

The average adoption process involves three main steps.

First, you need to find an agency and consult with them. They’ll help guide you through the steps of the family adoption journey and ensure you get the right match.

Next, you need to go through an application. It involves:

• Interviews
• Background checks
• Home studies

The application takes a few months. Then, you can go through the matching phase. It involves finding the right child for you. After an adjustment period, the adoption is finalized in court. 

A sibling adoption involves the same steps, but it can take longer from start to finish because there’s more than one child to consider. The timeline varies from six months to two years. It depends on factors such as the:

• Adoption type
• Agency procedure
• Needs of the children involved

How to Help Children Adjust

Adopting siblings together makes the process smoother and less traumatic for everyone. There are also other ways to help with the adjustment period and help them fit into your family. 

Build Bonds

Encourage teamwork and cooperation. Recognize small wins and use positive reinforcement.

Respect their existing relationships. Don’t get in the way of how they work with each other unless it’s dangerous. There are times when you have to let a small sibling fight run its course.

Recognize each sibling’s unique needs. Give them individualized attention so that they don’t feel like just another face in the crowd.

Encourage open communication. Consider family meetings where everyone in the family can express their concerns.

Establish Routines

Create daily routines and keep them consistent. It gives everyone a sense of stability that adopted children can be sorely missing.

Be patient and realize it could take a while to get used to it. Children coming from the foster system are still going into an entirely new lifestyle, even if they’re going together. It’s a major adjustment.

FAQ

Can I Foster My Siblings?

Yes, you can. It’s a way to bring your own family back together and preserve your bonds.

You can also foster your other family members once you turn 18. This includes siblings but also extends to:

• Stepsiblings
• First cousins
• Nieces or nephews

Can Siblings Adopt Their Siblings?

Yes, they can. This is a process known as kinship adoption.

You must be at least 18 years old for this to happen. The sibling’s parental rights must also have been terminated, and you’ll need court approval. They have to rule that it’s in your siblings’ best interest.

Your sibling doesn’t have to be a child for this to happen. There are circumstances in which you’d adopt an adult sibling, such as when your parents or legal guardians are in prison or unable to act as guardians.

Adoption agencies and courts often encourage this type of arrangement because it keeps sibling groups together. The specific requirements vary by state and jurisdiction.

What Age Is Hardest To Adopt?

This is a subjective question without a definitive answer. It depends on what you mean by “hardest to adopt.”

The simplest answer is to look at the age at which children are the least likely to be adopted. Most adoptees want babies or young children. Any child’s likelihood of being adopted drops after six or seven. Adopting a child or a sibling group that includes children of this age gives them a much better chance of finding a forever family.

Start The Sibling Adoption Process Today

Sibling adoption helps preserve family groups. 

Heart of Adoptions, Inc. has been connecting birth mothers and adoptive parents since 2001. We’ll help you find the best match while maintaining your comfort and confidentiality. Contact us to start the adoption process today.