Every child should grow up feeling safe, loved, and connected, especially to their brothers and sisters. Across the UK, there are currently thousands of children waiting for a permanent, secure home and many of these are sibling groups waiting for adoption. There are so many brothers and sisters, who share the most unique and enduring relationship of their young lives and need to grow up together in a stable, loving home.
At Adoption Focus, we’re fully committed to helping children stay with their brothers and sisters whenever possible. For many children, that lifelong connection offers comfort, identity, and strength, particularly when they’ve experienced a difficult start in life. Could you adopt siblings, and help them maintain and nurture that truly special relationship that may have been one of the very few constants in their lives?
Adopting Siblings
We understand that adopting more than one child feels like a big step, but you won’t be alone. We offer tailored preparation, expert guidance, and ongoing practical and emotional support to help your family thrive. Many adopters tell us that, while life can be busy, the rewards are extraordinary - watching brothers and sisters laugh, play, and grow together in a home filled with love.
Siblings don’t need to be the same age or have the same interests to belong. What matters most is that they’re given the chance to stay together - and that’s where you come in.
If you have the space in your home and heart for more than one child, you could make an incredible difference to these children.
If brothers and sisters stay together, they don’t just share a home, they share a future.
Benefits of sibling adoption
Sibling adoption can be hugely rewarding. Adopting two or more biological brothers and sisters together can have several important benefits, particularly for the children. The benefits of this type of adoption include:
- Preserving a relationship between children which may be the longest and most stable of their lifetime.
- Maintaining a sense of familiarity and continuity following the loss of birth family and the move from foster care.
- Children may adjust to change and their new family and circumstances more quickly as they have each other for support and consistency.
- Brothers and sisters can comfort each other, provide companionship and shared identity.
Sibling groups are among the children who wait longest for new families, so you have the opportunity to make a huge difference for these children, by keeping them together. Plus, brothers and sisters can strengthen early family cohesion through their existing bond and established relationship.
Why trust Adoption Focus?
Adoption Focus is an independent charity, and one of the largest adoption agencies in the UK. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted on every inspection since we were formed in 2009, we’re focused on providing the best support for both adopters and adoptees.
We’re passionate about inclusivity and welcome adoptive parents of all ages and backgrounds including couples, single parents, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities and more. We offer lifelong support to every adoptive family - you can contact us every weekday. We provide an extensive range of therapeutic services and highly recommended training programmes. We will walk with you throughout the adoption process and far beyond, as your children grow into adulthood.
Sibling adoption FAQs
Can you adopt siblings?
Yes, you can adopt siblings. At Adoption Focus, we will help you decide the number, age and gender of the children most suited to you. We have helped hundreds of families to adopt brothers and sisters.
Does the adoption process differ for adopting siblings?
The process is exactly the same when adopting a sibling group. The only difference is that we offer additional specialist training for people who adopt brothers and sisters. And all of our families have access to our lifelong support, which is highly regarded by our families and Ofsted.
Is it harder to adopt siblings?
It isn’t necessarily harder to adopt siblings but you will need to consider meeting the needs of more than one child and if this is right for you. Adopting brothers and sisters can be more complex due to age differences, emotional needs or behavioural concerns. Adoption Focus will help guide your decisions and decide if you feel well equipped to adopt siblings.
How do I find adoption agencies that help you to adopt siblings?
Look no further! Adoption Focus has a proven track record of placing brothers and sisters with hundreds of families. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted on every inspection since we were established in 2009, we’re focused on providing the best support for both adopters and adoptees. Get in touch today or sign up to our next information event.
Can you adopt your own siblings?
Yes, it is possible to adopt your own siblings, but this situation typically arises in specific circumstances. For example, if one of the children in the sibling group is placed in foster care or in the care of a local authority, and a family member (like a brother or sister) wants to adopt them, this may be possible. This type of adoption is the responsibility of a local authority and cannot be arranged through Adoption Focus.
What costs are involved in adoption?
The only costs involved with adoption in the UK is the medical with your GP (examination and report), or incidental costs like travel to meetings or events. All other aspects of the adoption process are covered such as the legal fees and court costs, and access to training courses. You may choose to take time off work during the process which may have financial implications.