A new report exploring the topic of care-experienced siblings separated by imprisonment or secure care and the gap in knowledge surrounding this.
Families Outside has recently launched a pioneering report, in collaboration with The Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA) and funded by The Promise Partnership.
The report, ‘Staying Connected: Care-experienced children and young people with a sibling in prison or secure care’, explores the topic of care-experienced siblings separated by imprisonment or secure care and the gap in knowledge surrounding this.
An estimated 70% of care-experienced children and young people in Scotland experience separation from their siblings, and this report found that a disproportionate number of care-experienced children and young people had a sibling held in prison or secure care. Sibling separation through care and custody is often overlooked and more needs to be done to ensure sibling relationships are properly supported.
It is hoped that this research will help raise awareness of the key issues found and help key stakeholders recognise the importance of sibling relationships and their role in supporting these.
Alongside the report, there’s also a Social Work Guide to help social workers supporting children and young people with a sibling in prison or secure care.