The law says that local authorities have a duty to:
- Make sure that siblings live together if it is safe. Or, if it’s better for their safety and welfare, they should be able to live near each other rather than in the same home.
- Support siblings to stay in touch and see each other regularly if they cannot live together (as long as this is safe).
- Take the views of siblings into account when making decisions.
Social work should continue to do all these things throughout a child or young person’s care journey. Any changes or new decisions should be communicated clearly to the young person in ways that they understand.
If a child or young person has been separated from their sibling, or if they are unhappy with the how often they get to see their sibling, they might be able to challenge this decision. It is important to do this as soon as possible in the care journey. A lawyer can help and advise on how and when to challenge a decision.
