On 25th June 2024 the Siblings Community of Practice, was hosted by Siblings Reunited (STAR) in Fife to launch AFKA Scotland’s Evaluation report of the service; we were joined by approximately 60 people from around the country working towards Scotland Getting It Right for Brothers and Sisters as the Promise demands.
The principal messages from the evaluation included recommendations for the future development of STAR, as well as key considerations for the development of other ‘STAR-like’ resources, and for those seeking to support relationships between brothers and sisters who have been separated through involvement with the care system. The key findings that focused discussion at the launch included:
- the role of the natural environment and fun, inclusive activities play in supporting sibling family time
- the importance of enabling siblings to be brothers and sisters together, and
- the value of supporting relationships between caregivers.
You can read more about the evaluation we conducted including links to shorter briefings for caregivers, young people and professionals in our research section here
During the day, delegates engaged in group discussion and heard about:
- the experience of attending STAR from a young person’s perspective.
- a volunteer and young person’s experience of STARCAT (Canine-Assisted Therapy)
- a reading from the book The Magic of STAR.
- Glasgow’s Family Connections Assessment & Plan – this is designed to help social workers understand and support the important relationships for children in care.
- Aberdeenshire & Barnardo’s Staying Connected Project – a mobile resource that provides a neutral and nurturing space for siblings separated by care to meet and have fun.
The event concluded with reflections from representatives of SCRA and The Promise Scotland, emphasising the importance of ongoing support for sibling relationships in care. You can read more about STAR and how to use their facilities here
The next Community of Practice session will be held online – Tuesday 20th August 2024: 10.00am – 12.30pm which will focus on approaches to child and family assessment centred on loving connection.
If you would like to join us, you can book a FREE ticket by clicking this link.