Keeping Siblings Together Starts with Community
For many children entering foster care, one of the hardest losses isn’t simply leaving home. It’s the possibility of being separated from their brothers and sisters.
The brother who knows exactly how you like your sandwich cut.
The sister who remembers your bedtime routine.
The person who understands your story without needing an explanation.
For children experiencing uncertainty and change, siblings often become the one familiar constant they have left. Yet nationally, more than 65% of siblings in foster care are separated. These aren’t just statistics. These are children in our communities. Children who sit in our classrooms, play on our ball fields, and worship in our churches. And they need a village.
As Thornwell expands foster care services into South Carolina’s Lowcountry, we are committed to meeting one of the most urgent needs facing children entering care: helping siblings stay together whenever possible. Because brothers and sisters belong together.
Often, the reason siblings are separated is tragically simple: there are not enough foster families – and the foster families who are licensed to take to multiple children are often full. There is a desperate need for more licensed foster families in every county across South Carolina. Specially there is an urgent need for foster families who are equipped to take in sibling groups. Families often tell us,
We’ve thought about foster care, but we’re not sure we’re ready.”
The truth is that foster care deserves thoughtful consideration. It is sacred, important work centered around children and families experiencing crisis and trauma. But one of the biggest misconceptions about foster care is that families have to be perfect before they begin. They don’t.
What children need most are caring adults who are willing to say one brave “yes” to learning more. And those families should never have to do it alone.
At Thornwell, we believe foster care works best when families are surrounded by support. When caregivers have encouragement, practical help, and community around them, children experience greater stability — and siblings have a better chance of remaining together.
That’s why we have invested in innovative models like the Thornwell Foster Care Village, an intentional community designed to help foster families care for larger sibling groups and teens by reducing barriers and increasing support.
Because foster care was never meant to be done in isolation. It takes a village.
Not everyone is called to become a foster parent. But everyone can help children feel less alone. You can:
- Learn about becoming a foster parent or joining the Thornwell Foster Care Village.
- Support foster families through meals, childcare, transportation, or encouragement.
- Volunteer as a mentor or tutor.
- Advocate for children and families in your community.
- Pray for children, parents, caregivers, and caseworkers.
Small acts of support create stronger communities for children. And sometimes the first step is simply being willing to learn more. Because children cannot wait for the perfect time. They need caring adults, supportive communities, and safe homes now.
And whenever possible, they need the chance to stay together with the brothers and sisters they love most.