As a children's service provider you have some key opportunities to identify, assess and support the needs of siblings of disabled children. Siblings are at risk for harm, excessive caregiving and for problems with wellbeing and educational attainment.
In order for siblings to get early support and prevent problems with wellbeing and educational attainment it is vital to know what the level of need is within your service or area.
Siblings are at risk from falling through the gaps in current legislation for children and young people. Do not assume that a sibling’s needs have already been assessed by other professionals. Look out for signs of changes in siblings at future visits. Use Sibs checklist for parents and ask siblings themselves about how they are.
A significant number of siblings are hurt by their brothers and sisters who have aggressive behaviour. Ensure that you have undertaken a risk assessment for siblings and that statutory support is in place to keep a sibling safe.
As well as identifying things that are hard for siblings and that they may need support with, it is also hugely important to value siblings’ skills and attributes that they have acquired through their relationships with their disabled brothers and sisters e.g. being a great advocate or teaching new skills to their brother or sister.
This includes information about the condition and about any treatments or therapies their brother or sister is having. If you are not able to meet with siblings, ask their parents to encourage siblings to make a list of questions for the next meeting or consultation.
Signpost siblings to YoungSibs online support service and help them access any local sibling support available.
Signpost parents to sources of support and talk to parents about practical strategies for supporting siblings. Host a workshop for parents in your organisation.
Short breaks for disabled children allow parents to spend one to one time with siblings and for siblings to have a break from their brother or sister. Siblings also need to have breaks themselves and this should be discussed with siblings to find out what they want.
Peer support helps siblings cope better with the challenges they face on a daily basis. Attend Sibs’ training for sibling group leaders and learn how to set up a group to help siblings share experiences with others who understand.
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Get training on running a young sibling group in school, host a workshop for parents, or come on a workshop for adult siblings.
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