Barriers and facilitators of sibling relationships of youth in foster care from an ecological perspective

For children in foster care sibling support is associated with better mental health and resiliency. Despite the findings on the importance of sibling relationships, siblings are frequently separated from each other. Previous research has explored sibling separation and barriers to placing siblings together. This qualitative study aims to identify barriers and facilitators to sibling relationships from the perspective of those formerly in foster care. A thematic analysis was completed to explore the experiences of 11 adults with foster care experience and identify perceived barriers and facilitators to sibling relationships. Results are interpreted through an ecological framework. Barriers and facilitators are identified at the individual, microsystem, exosystem, and macrosystem levels. Specifically, barriers and facilitators relating to visitation, placement, foster parents, child welfare workers, the foster care system, and the legal system are discussed. Participants also provided recommendations for overcoming barriers and finding ways to facilitate relationships between siblings in the different levels of the ecological system.