Abstract
BackgroundSibling bonds are often the most enduring relationship in an individual's life span. The out-of-home placement of siblings is widespread and may significantly influence children's journeys and wellbeing. ObjectiveThe current scoping literature review was designed to characterize and analyze the existing knowledge regarding siblings in out-of-home placements. MethodKey databases were explored using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, which identified 33 studies relevant to the current study's focus. The studies used quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods and included a variety of out-of-home placement settings and sample characteristics. ResultsUtilizing thematic analysis, the findings addressed three main themes: the sibling bond as a contributor to the wellbeing of children in out-of-home placements, trends in sibling placement, and difficulties in maintaining the sibling bond in out-of-home placements regarding micro, meso and exo factors. ConclusionA key conclusion from the review is that the welfare system struggles to address a child as a part of a sibling group and an extensive and multilayered relational network; hence, siblinghood is an unutilized resource in out-of-home placements. Future directions for practice, policy and research are included and discussed.
Published Version
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