ALMOST seven in 10 children in care are being separated from their brothers and sisters, researchers have revealed.
Experts from Strathclyde University found that more than half of children have a “stranger sibling” who they barely even know.
Last year, we reported Care Inspectorate statistics claiming a fifth of looked-after young people were split from their brothers and sisters.
But the new research suggests even more children are affected.
The report, by Dr Christine Jones and Dr Gillian Henderson, says that children “typically express a strong desire to stay in contact with brothers and sisters” when they are separated from their siblings.
Dr Jones said: “We know that sibling relationships are very important to children, especially where they have experienced shared adversity.
“Our study shows how common it is for relationships with brothers and sisters to be disrupted when children come into contact with the care system.
“More needs to be done to support sibling connections and to listen to children.”
In November, we told how siblings were being torn apart in care.
Ashley Cameron, 27, who works for former Labour leader and MSP Kezia Dugdale as a researcher, endured a turbulent childhood and said having her brother in her life would have given her crucial support.
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