This publication (see downloadable PDF) can contribute knowledge and expertise to the relatively new field of research concerning siblings in alternative care. This will hopefully enhance the quality and support for these relationships and will help us to better understand the role of siblinghood for children in alternative care. The recommendations in particular can contribute to a better response to children and their needs in regard to their sibling relationships.
Background on the European Research Cooperation on Siblings
In 2007, SOS Children's Villages France started research activities on the topic of sibling relationships and invited other SOS Children's Villages associations in Western Europe to join. Thereupon, SOS Children's Villages in Italy, Austria and Germany started one or several national research projects on sibling relationships. The whole group, including two SOS Children's Villages associations from Eastern Europe and two external child care organisations, developed a joint project including also activities on European level and submitted the project to the Daphne programme of the European Commission in April 2009. In November 2009, Daphne sent a negative answer. The partner associations from Eastern Europe and the external partners had to leave the project because of lack of funds. SOS Children's Villages Italy, Austria, France and Germany decided to continue their national projects. In February 2010, those associations and SOS Children's Villages Spain (having mainly advocacy activities on the siblings topic) met to elaborate an action and time plan for a future European cooperation on the siblings topic.
The main objectives of the European cooperation were:
Share and compile theoretical and practical knowledge on the importance of sibling relationships in alternative care (resources, burdens, supporting basic conditions)
Support and develop the educational practice with siblings in alternative care (admission and assistance of sibling groups) by developing recommendations
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