An anchor in instability or an inhibitor for development? Professional perceptions of siblinghood in family group homes in Israel

Abstract

Most children who are removed from their homes by social services have siblings. Yet, siblinghood is an unnoticed and understudied field of interest. Professionals lack a framework for addressing this common issue in out-of-home placement decision-making and caregiving. The current study examined how professionals in family group homes in Israel perceive and approach sibling bonds, as well as the main barriers and benefits they identify regarding siblinghood among children in out-of-home placements. Five focus groups were held with 34 professionals, and a thematic analysis was conducted. The participants identified siblings as a source of support, comfort and security to one another. On the other hand, they worried about the sibling bond inhibiting a child's development. They also revealed two approaches regarding the role of out-of-home placements: a space for individual development versus a transition station in the child's and family's life journey. They also referred to the uniqueness of every sibling group and, hence, the significant weight of professional intuition in decision-making processes. The discussion addresses the challenges of intuitive decision-making in cases of siblings in out-of-home placements and stresses the need for more informed decision-making processes.