The growing literature on sibling relationships throughout their lifespans is of great importance to those working in the child welfare system, and in adoption services in particular. Sibling bonds are important to all of us, but they are particularly vital to children from disorganized or dysfunctional families. These relationships assume even…

Considers the impact of separation from siblings on child development and on the development of natural support systems, describing the use of sibling groups to facilitate coping with separation and loss and maintaining sibling relationships. (MP)

This study explores from a dual perspective the impact of the fostering process on biological children in the home. Ten foster parents and their biological children were interviewed separately. The impact of foster care on the psychological, educational, and social well-being of biological children and their relationship with parents and siblings…

Examines systemic underpinnings of sibling incest and its relationship to internal and external factors of offending behavior. Describes treatment in context of offenders' families, underscoring poor boundaries, impact on the victim, and necessity of hierarchical reconstruction; argues formulation of a safety plan to prevent future offenses is…

Examined foster mother attitudes about fostering siblings, and caseworker impressions of sibling placement. Found that half of mothers found children placed with siblings harder to foster while half found them easier than single children. Most caseworkers agreed with sibling placement policy, and that children placed with siblings were no more or…

Reports on a study of siblings in foster care that explored factors relating to the outcomes of sibling placements. Considers implications for the process of successfully placing siblings. (BB)

Social support is needed by everyone, but particularly by vulnerable populations at times of transition. This study utilizes data collected from 96 former foster youth regarding supports they received during the transition from care. The report addresses three questions: (1) What types of supportive relationships did the sample report? (2) What…

The adoptive mother of a large sibling group describes the considerations and problems (differing from those of a single adoption) arising in the adoption of such a group. (BR)

Presents a study of nine families that included at least one adolescent and that had adopted a school-aged child. Reports adolescents' opinions concerning (1) problems with newly adopted siblings, and (2) sources of social support and adequacy of this support. (NH)

Research on the link between parental abuse and delinquent behavior indicates that abuse is more likely to lead to withdrawn, rather than aggressive, behavior. (Author/MP)

Explores the problem of recidivism among children discharged from foster care by the Jewish Child Care Association (JCCA). Results presented from this first stage of the study focus on the relationship of child and family attributes to recidivism. (Author/RH)

Surveyed 72 adopted individuals who had sought for and found at least 1 biological parent. Although 86 percent of the respondents had a positive reaction to the reunion, only half felt they had a positive relationship with their biological parents. (BG)

The experience of bearing and caring for a sick or handicapped infant is described from the point of view of parents, whose responses were gathered from a clinical study. Implications for the child's development and methods of family support are discussed. (Author/RH)

Notes that successful child placement depends on engaging birth or previously adopted children during the adoption process, yet other children are often overlooked when parents are adopting a special-needs child. Presents a model which recognizes dynamics of strength and vulnerability and applies that model to preparing and supporting the adoptive…

Examines characteristics of children adopted in adolescence and characteristics associated with disruptions of adolescent adoptions. (BB)