Children’s charity, Barnardo’s, and Aberdeenshire Council have unveiled a new service that will help siblings separated through family circumstances and the care system.
‘Staying Connected’ is a mobile service that can transform community venues into places for young people to meet and have fun. ‘Staying Connected Workers’ will have resources that can be taken to any location in Aberdeenshire in order to provide a neutral, nurturing and creative experience where children can spend time with their siblings.
Selected venues will provide a space for the carers of siblings to meet separately while family time takes place in order to develop their relationships with each other.
‘Although our priority focus will be on cherishing and protecting relationships between siblings,’ said Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, Martin Crewe, ‘we are aware that doing so alongside promoting carers’ relationships can present additional opportunities, including the potential for separated siblings to live together in the future.’
Work undertaken by Barnardo’s is a part of ‘The Promise’, Scotland’s commitment to care experienced children and young people. The Promise aims to ensure these children grow up loved, safe and respected and was introduced following the Independent Care Review in 2020.
Leigh Jolly, Aberdeenshire Council’s Head of Children’s Services said:
‘Supporting brothers and sisters to stay connected when it is not possible for them to continue living together is a significant part of the promise we make to children and young people living in Aberdeenshire […] Providing this service avoids the use of social work buildings, which will avoid potential triggers of difficult memories.’
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