Caring Heart: Siblings Rights

The world of child welfare has changed dramatically in the last few decades.  One area of change is in sibling rights.  While much has changed it continues to be an issue which can traumatize and emotionally cripple innocent children.

A little cooperation please

All that she wants is to keep in touch with her siblings.  That's not so much to ask is it Lord?  She has done nothing wrong and yet she has lost the chance to be with her parents. She has done nothing wrong and yet she has lost the chance to live with her siblings.  All she is asking is to be able to see them once in a while and to stay in touch in between visits.  Why can;t their new parents understand that?  Why can't her advocates make that happen? Why does it seem that every time we get something set up, it falls through on someone's end?  i am getting almost as frustrated as she is, although I know that is not possible.  I cannot even imagine what this must be like for her. Give us patience.  Give us understanding.  And, please, give them understanding of this girl's needs.  These children have lost so much.  They have accepted their separation.  They should not have to lose each other on top of everything else they have lost. Help the grownups to put ourselves and our needs aside and focus on the children's needs first.  Help us support these children whatever decisions are made.

Excerpted from "The Caring Heart Speaks: Meditations for foster, kinship, and adoptive parents" by Gail Underwood Parker   Artwork by Anna Parker David from the book cover.