Children who enter out-of-home care (OOHC) experience trauma and loss. When children are separated from their siblings this is an additional loss. This separation can cause loss of family connection and trauma which can be detrimental to developing self and cultural identity. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS/Cabinet) should be providing services to assess and enhance the relationship between siblings. The Cabinet should support sibling relationships by ensuring regular sibling contact, therapeutic service in coordination with care providers, etc.
When it is determined that separation is necessary after a thorough review, a detailed plan should be implemented by the Cabinet to ensure siblings remain in contact and can be reunified when possible.