Wiltshire foster carers encourage people to foster siblings

Justin and Selina have experience of fostering both single and sibling children

Foster carers from Wiltshire are encouraging others to help keep families together by fostering siblings.

Selina Kirkbride and her husband Justin have been fostering for seven years at their home near Warminster.

Ms Kirkbride said taking on siblings helps the children involved feel more comfortable in their new home.

"It's great having siblings because they've still got part of their family with them," she said.

"They've been removed from their birth family which is quite traumatic. But to have one of your siblings with you that have been through the same experience - they can comfort each other."

The couple are currently caring for two siblings, age eight and 12, and say they can see the difference having a family member with them can make to a foster child.

"It's lovely for them because they have each other and still have that family connection," said Mrs Kirkbride.

Wiltshire Council is keen to recruit more foster carers who can welcome two or more children into their home to help brothers and sisters remain together.

Councillor Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children's services, said: "We always need more foster carers to come and foster with us.

'Just do it'

"We provide you with ongoing support and training so you're not alone. We have carers who have taken that step and recount positive experiences which show how rewarding it can be."

Mrs Kirkbride has this advice for people considering fostering: "Just get on and do it.

"Siblings have each other and they have the same experience, and they get each other.

"We've had single children and siblings and for us we prefer having siblings."

The council is holding online sessions for people who are interested in fostering.