Our Purpose
About
What are we advocating for? Where is my donation going? Why is this a relevant issue? We hope to answer any questions you may have on the mission of our nonprofit on this page. If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out to us using the contact form, or email us at siblingsreconnect@gmail.com.
What is Foster Care?
Foster care is a temporary living situation for children whose home environments are not safe. Children in the foster care system may live with relatives, foster families, or in group facilities. Foster care is provided by States and supported by the Federal government. The temporary caregivers of a foster child typically undergo training and earn a special license to ensure the well-being and safety of the child. While there is no specific length of time a foster child may stay in one place, only roughly 50% return to their biological parents and original homes.
Siblings in the Foster Care System
Unfortunately, in the foster care system most siblings don’t end up being placed together and many lose contact with one another. 75% of children in the foster care system have siblings, and of those children 65% eventually lose touch. In New Jersey, there is a law that states that foster children are entitled to visits and phone calls with their siblings, but due to a lack of resources, many don’t end up reconnecting with their siblings at all. This is the issue Siblings Reconnect is working to resolve.
The Effects
Most children in the foster care system have experienced trauma, adversary, hardship, and so much hurt. Taking away what is possibly the only family they still have around and taking away another layer of comfort does nothing but add to the hurt and trauma. There have been multiple psychological studies done on the importance of sibling relationships that show that allowing siblings to be together increases placement stability. This is why we advocate for and are doing what we can to help make these relationships stronger.
What is Siblings Reconnect doing to help this issue?
All donations and profits go directly towards grants, which would be used to pay for a trip for siblings that lost touch through the foster care system. The grant would cover travel expenses and any activity the siblings choose to do with each other.
