Adopting brothers and sisters

Each year, hundreds of brothers and sisters (siblings) wait for a loving family where they can grow and thrive. Adopting brothers and sisters together gives them comfort and security as they start their new lives.

Why adopting siblings could be right for you

If you’re planning to start or grow your family, you could transform several young lives by adopting brothers and sisters together.

Perhaps you had an amazing bond with your siblings, and would love the same for your children. Or maybe you were an only child and long to create a busy home, full of life.

You’ll need to think carefully about whether you have the space, time and financial security to look after more than one child. But you don’t need to live in a huge house, have millions in the bank or be living with a partner. You just need space in your heart to love and guide your children through life.

The positives of adopting siblings

Adopted children have already lost a lot in their young lives, including all legal ties with their birth parents. Staying with their siblings helps children feel more secure and settle more easily into their forever family.

A big part of caring for adopted children is helping them understand their whole life story as their identity develops. By keeping a family group together, your children will always have someone who’s been there from the start.

For parents the adoption process is rewarding, but takes time and can be emotionally tough. If you know you’d like to adopt more than one child, adopting siblings means you only go through the assessments and legal process once.

Support available for adopting siblings

Adopting more than one child can feel daunting, especially for new parents. We will support you every step of the way, including:

training and tailored workshops, with talks from parents who’ve adopted siblings
ongoing peer support from families who have experiences similar to yours
activities to meet other parents and children
practical and financial support for your children, depending on your situation

The process of adopting siblings

On paper, adopting brothers and sisters is no different to welcoming one child into your family.

‘When they first called me “Dad”, that was all that mattered’ - Simon’s story

We met our children on an activity day, where we could all find out if we gelled as a five. My wife and I didn’t have kids, so we were quite nervous. Would they want to play or talk to strangers? That all melted away on the day.
It was clear from the start how important it was to adopt all three siblings. They came as a family unit and really leaned on that bond when they moved in. I don’t think they were ever more than arm’s length away from each other. It gave them security and confidence when everything else was new.
Yes, it was a big adjustment for us as a couple. Suddenly the house had three extra people with fully formed personalities. Children surprise you all the time, and you have to remember challenges aren’t always an ‘adoption thing’. Sometimes it’s just a parent thing! When they first called me ‘Dad’ though, that was all that mattered.
And there’s so much support out there, from your own friends and family to other adoptive parents and networks. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
Seeing our children relax and reveal their personalities made it all worthwhile. We’ve also learned about ourselves, growing our world to prioritise three little lives and being the calm, reassuring presence our children need.
I’d tell anyone, make sure you’re ready and you’re certain – and then just go for it.

Ready for the next step? Start your adoption journey today and get in touch

Call us on 0300 300 8090
Message us through our contact form
Create a personalised adoption plan to see if you are ready to adopt

Find out more about adopting siblings and hear families’ stories at You Can Adopt.