Publication year: 2011
Source: Children and Youth Services Review, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 26 February 2011
Rebecca L., Hegar , James A., Rosenthal
This study examines a range of outcomes for children in foster care who have siblings, using a large, national U.S. database. Three types of sibling placements are defined: split (child has no siblings in the home), splintered (at least one sibling in the home), and together (all siblings in the home). The study analyses records (n = 1701) from the National Study of Child and Adolescent Wellbeing, including Child Protective Services (CPS) and Long-term Foster Care (LTFC) samples. It contributes to the literature in its inclusive definition of siblings, use of three categories for sibling placement status, and use of…
Research Highlights: ►Reports outcomes for foster children with siblings, using a large U.S. database ►Sibling placements defined as: split, splintered, or together ►Reports limited significant findings ►Better academics when together than splintered (p ≤ .01) or split (p ≤ .05) ►More siblings feel “part of the family” when together than splintered (p ≤ .05)