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Sib-Link®

Connecting siblings who are in different foster placements.

 

Nearly two-thirds of the children in the U.S. foster care system have one or more siblings in foster care.

In many States, over half of sibling groups are separated and placed in different homes — even sometimes different counties — as there are not enough foster homes that can take in a full sibling set. In foster care, social service caseworkers help siblings visit each other regularly. Still, some siblings lose touch as placements change and time passes.

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Since Sib-Link® began in 2015:

130

sibling sets served


over1500

sibling visits


Children long for their siblings.

Sib-Link® exists because sibling bonds are crucial to child development and adjustment.

We come alongside social service agencies to enhance monthly visitation. Each month, Sib-Link® provides fun and engaging sibling visits that strengthen lifelong bonds. Sibling groups from two, three, and four different placements gather together to celebrate birthdays and graduations, visit parks and museums, and enjoy each other’s company through monthly outings together.

As children consistently see each other and build lasting memories, their anxiety lessens. Caregivers get to know one another, and barriers fall away. Children who are separated by living arrangements eventually form deeper connections that go beyond the monthly visits and develop into lifelong bonds.

  • Erin
    Sib-Link is VITAL in keeping siblings actively connected to each other during an intense and stressful time. Not only do my children get to see each other and reconnect, for a brief moment they get to forget their circumstances and just be kids together, not "foster kids."
    Erin
    Guardian ad Litem
  • Belle (Age 17)
    The whole experience of Sib-Link has been so positive. Everything in my life has had so much negativity, so this really stands out.
    Belle (Age 17)
  • Jude (Age 16)
    At sibling visits, I feel like we can be ourselves, and we didn’t get that from other people in foster care.
    Jude (Age 16)
  • Markaja
    I was 17 and we were all living in a group home. I left first. It hurt. I felt like that was harder being separate from my siblings than being in the system the whole time.
    Markaja
    Foster Care Alumni
  • Meredith
    As a teen in foster care, doing my homework was the last thing on my mind. I was in constant survival mode. Before I could think about my education, I had to survive in a strange classroom where I felt judged by everyone. I felt less than everyone around me.
    Meredith
    Foster Care Alumni
  • Crystial
    Our (foster) daughter looked forward to it every week. Her teacher sent home notes saying she was more engaged at school and she started raising her hand at read-alouds. It made a world of difference for her in just two months!
    Crystial
    Foster Parent
  • Celine
    Just a little bit of encouragement goes so far and helps a child believe that with hard work they can accomplish anything.
    Celine
    Volunteer Tutor
  • Erica

    If I could choose to do it all over again, I would have started sooner.

    Erica
    Foster Parent
  • Carla

    My favorite thing about fostering is the incredible joy these kids bring to our home.

    Carla
    Foster Parent
  • Mia

    Fostering is world-changing. It has flipped my narrow and privileged ideas about the world upside down a hundred times.

    Mia
    Foster Parent
  • Kaley

    I always say that foster parents are my favorite people. They will jump to help you at a moment’s notice. They don’t judge or condemn because they’ve been there too. They’ve had dark days and joyous days and everything in between.

    Kaley
    Foster Parent
  • Danielle

    I foster to make a lifelong impact on children. Fostering has taught me patience, perseverance, and compassion.

    Danielle
    Foster Parent
  • Ryan

    This was the best day ever! When can I see him again?

    Ryan
    child, age 5
  • Erinne

    I can’t believe you’re here. I thought I lost you.

    Erinne
    child, age 8
  • Rhonda

    I LOVE Sib-Link® because it connects children with each other and promotes family bonding. Some children lack hope within to propel themselves forward with achieving life’s goals. I feel that Sib-Link® gives them this hope.

    Rhonda
    caseworker
  • Grace

    Losing my daughter to foster care was the hardest time of my life. I learned about Moms Matter® at a time that no one was helping me. I went to my first meeting, and have been going ever since. The women who attend are great, and help each other out. It helped me learn new things about myself. I am proud to say that my daughter is back with me now, thanks to Moms Matter®.

    Grace
    mom
  • Nicole

    I went in [to Moms Matter®] worried and scared they were going to look at me like I’m horrible, but we got in there and it was comforting to know that I was in a place that I wouldn’t be looked down on. That made it a lot easier to be ME and to know that I am not a horrible person because everyone makes mistakes.

    Nicole
    mom
  • Jolli (Age 21)
    When you know someone that cares, you do better in school and better in work. If you don't have that, it’s hard to have drive or be motivated. You think, “What’s the point in even trying?”
    Jolli (Age 21)
    foster youth
  • Celeste

    I never would have felt empowered enough to do what I have doing in my life now without Aspire.

    Celeste
    former foster youth

Do you know someone who could benefit from Sib-Link®? Refer them!

If ONE of the children you know lives in or has an open case in one of the counties above, you are encouraged to complete a referral. Anyone can complete a referral for Sib-Link®. This includes case workers, CASA/GALs, foster parents, group home staff, family members, friends, and mentors.

Please include as much information as you know about the child. Once a referral is received, our team will contact the case worker to determine if the children are appropriate for Sib-Link® sibling visits.


Types of Sib-Link® Visits

1In-Person Visits
When siblings do not regularly see each other through family visits, the Fostering Great Ideas team makes monthly visits possible. We arrange the date, location, and activity. We help to transport the children, up to 75 miles from our primary locations. Because at least one other adult is required to be present during the visit, we request case team members (social services team, foster/kinship caregiver, or gal/casa) to also help in transport and supervision. Caregivers are especially encouraged to help organize and participate in Sib-Link visits. Caregivers can receive reimbursement and appreciation gifts for their time and travel.
2Virtual Visits
Video calls between siblings are a fun way for children who are separated in foster care to reconnect. Fostering Great Ideas coordinates regular sibling video calls, providing interactive games and activities.
3 Virtual Birthday Celebrations
When siblings are not able to be together for a birthday celebration, a Sib-Link Virtual Birthday Celebration still allows for fun together. Fostering Great Ideas hosts the video call with interactive games and activities and singing Happy Birthday. The birthday child also receives a gift (via Fostering Great Ideas) from their siblings.

Would you like to become a volunteer driver for Sib-Link®? Find out more!

We are currently seeking volunteer drivers across South Carolina. Will you give the gift of a sibling visit to children who are living apart? A few hours a month is all it takes to make a difference!

Volunteer Requirements:

  • Age 25 years old or older
  • A good driving record
  • Owning or leasing a vehicle not more than 10 years old
  • Screening focused on protecting children
  • National background check
  • A commitment to drive twice each month, at an average of 100 miles per trip
  • Flexibility on drive times

Ready to roll?

Fill out the form at the bottom of this page to begin your journey!

 

Do you want to help connect a child with their siblings?

Please contact us to volunteer, or with any questions you have about this Great Idea, including how you can bring it to your own community.

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