A landmark new law has come into effect, aiming to ensure that brothers and sisters are kept together whenever possible when they enter the care system in the UK. The legislation, which has been years in the making following persistent campaigns by various children's charities and care leavers, introduces stronger legal duties on local authorities regarding the placement and ongoing contact between siblings.
Previously, while there was guidance encouraging siblings to be placed together, it was not always a legally binding requirement, leading to thousands of children being separated from their brothers and sisters. This new law seeks to embed the importance of these relationships into the heart of care planning, recognising the profound impact separation can have on a child's well-being and development. The Department for Education has indicated that this change reflects a commitment to prioritising family bonds within the care system.
Under the new provisions, local authorities will now have a clearer and more robust legal duty to assess and promote sibling relationships. This includes a stronger presumption that siblings should be placed together where it is safe and appropriate to do so. Where co-placement is not possible, local authorities must make every effort to facilitate regular and meaningful contact between siblings, ensuring that these vital connections are maintained throughout their time in care.
Children's Minister David Johnston highlighted the significance of the new law, stating that it will help to ensure that children in care maintain crucial family bonds. He emphasised that growing up with siblings can provide a vital source of comfort, support, and identity, particularly during challenging times. The move has been widely welcomed by organisations such as The Children's Society and Become, who have long advocated for such changes, citing research that demonstrates the positive impact of sibling relationships on outcomes for children in care.
Critics of the previous system often pointed to the administrative complexities and resource pressures faced by local authorities as reasons for sibling separation. However, proponents of the new law argue that while challenges exist, the long-term benefits to children's mental health and stability outweigh these concerns. The legislation is expected to prompt local authorities to review their current practices and invest in strategies that support sibling unity, potentially leading to a more child-centred approach to care planning across the country.
The Labour Party's Shadow Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, welcomed the new law but called for adequate funding and resources to ensure its effective implementation. She stated that without proper investment, the legislation risks becoming a 'hollow promise' for many children and families. The government has affirmed its commitment to working with local authorities to support the transition and ensure the law's aims are met.
Source: Department for Education