Sibling Connections
Sibling Connections
The sibling relationship is one of the most influential and longest-lasting relationships anyone can experience. Yet the foster care system can separate siblings from one another, putting sibling relationships at a heightened risk of falling apart. The trauma of sibling separation can have lifelong negative impacts on mental health and overall wellbeing.
At Elevating Connections, we know that maintaining sibling relationships is one of the keys to youth successfully adapting to life both in the foster care system and into adulthood. But to accomplish this, adults need to step up and provide opportunities for separated siblings to reconnect, make incredible memories together, and forge relationships that will last a lifetime.
Elevating Connections is proud to be at the forefront of this mission in Colorado. We do this through our Sibling Connections program, advocacy and policy work.
Sibling Connecting Events
Elevating Connections offers bimonthly Sibling Connecting Events. Sibling Connecting Events are generally 2-3 hour free drop off events for sibling groups ages 5-18. These events are opportunities for siblings to connect and play with one another through recreational and arts activities.
Lunch is always included. Examples of past events include: climbing gyms, bowling, park days, art projects, holiday parties, and more. To view our upcoming Sibling Connecting Events, visit our Events page.
Part of the Sibling Connections Program is adult advocacy for foster kids. Elevating Connections stands up for kids and encourages the adults in their lives to work together for the benefit of the children. We advocate for siblings, working with judges, attorneys, and caseworkers alike. We also ensure that the Sibling Bill of Rights, which was passed into law in 2019, is properly implemented by all involved parties.
During the holidays, kids will share a meal together. For some siblings, this will be the first time they will ever experience a holiday event together. Adults teach the youth that they can start creating their own holiday traditions together, even if they are living in separate homes. This helps kids realize that they can invest in their sibling relationships outside of their foster situations.
Family dynamics can make things complicated for children in the foster care system, but with the help of Elevating Connections, adults can learn to adjust their actions to affect kids more positively and help them invest in their sibling relationships.
Camp Connect:
Supporting the Sibling Bond
Camp Connect is a summer camp that takes place every August just for siblings separated in their out-of-home placements! This 5-day, 4-night camp, located at YMCA Camp Shady Brook in Deckers, CO is for siblings ages 8-16. Camp is an opportunity for sibling groups to have uninterrupted time together, making memories, and just being kids. It is also a great place to build community and get to know other kids and youth who have experienced sibling separation. Activities include (but are not limited to): horseback riding, canoeing, swimming, archery, ropes courses, climbing, zip-lining, visual arts, performing arts, gaga ball, volleyball, camp fires, camp songs, and more! For more information about Camp Connect, visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
Sibling Relationships Built at Camp
- Quality and Quantity
One of the main reasons Camp Connect Colorado is so impactful is because of the quality and quantity of memories children are making with their siblings throughout the week. The time spent at camp equals one to two years’ worth of “normal” visits, because they’ll be together for five days straight. They’ll experience significant personal and relational growth during that time, and their bonds will last even when the time comes for them to go their separate ways for a while.
For many kids, the time spent at Camp Connect Colorado is one of the only times they see their siblings during the year. But the good news is that the experience is packed to the brim with quality time together. As the week progresses, kids will grow stronger in their sibling relationships. This will open up each child to the benefits of sibling relationships while minimizing negative outcomes that are seen in children who are separated from their siblings in the foster care system.
You Can Help Reconnect Siblings Separated by the Foster Care System
Sibling relationships should be given the same priority as the parent-child relationship, and that’s why we exist. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about our Sibling Connections programming. You can also sign up to be a volunteer if you would like to get personally involved.
Do you know foster children who have been separated from their siblings? They could be the perfect candidates for our Sibling Connections programs. Complete the referral process to take the next step toward positively impacting the youth in your life and helping them forge lasting relationships with their siblings!
Feedback About Camp
Advocacy and Consultation Services
We advocate in support of the sibling relationship by educating and training stakeholders, foster parent groups, and child welfare professionals about its importance.
We regularly attend foster care events and child welfare conferences to offer resources. We collaborate with other agencies to improve and pass legislation that directly impacts sibling groups separated by foster care. We also offer consultation on both open and closed child welfare cases regarding the sibling relationship, barriers to sibling contact, and caregiver/family support.
For more information regarding advocacy or consultation services, contact Stacey Sanders, staceys@elevatingconnections.org
Referring a Sibling Group
To refer a sibling group to our Sibling Connections program, complete the Sibling Connections Application at the link below for each child/youth.
Applications for a sibling group can be completed separately by each caregiver/guardian or caseworker/GAL/CASA. Once the application(s) has been submitted, you will be contacted within 3-5 business days by one of our staff to set up a follow up phone call to determine how we can best support the sibling group and verify eligibility.
Once a sibling group is determined eligible and accepted into our Sibling Connections program, caregivers, etc. will be given directions on how to sign up for our events.
1
Sibling group is either temporarily or permanently separated in their placements, facing separation -OR- the siblings are placed together recently reunited, or placed together and are struggling with their relationship.
2
One or more of the siblings must have been part of a Dependency & Neglect Case. Open or closed cases are eligible.
3
Sibling Connecting Event age range is 5-18, and Camp Connect age range is 8-16.