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Children in care will gain stronger legal protections to maintain relationships with their brothers and sisters under new measures introduced by the Department for Education.
The reforms, brought forward as an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, will require local authorities in England and Wales to promote and facilitate contact between siblings who are separated in the care system. The change places sibling relationships on a similar legal footing to parental contact, reflecting their importance in providing emotional stability and continuity.
Under the new provisions, councils must take all reasonable steps to enable sibling contact (including between half and step siblings) unless it is not in the child’s best interests, such as in cases involving abuse or safeguarding concerns.
Children’s Minister, Josh MacAlister, said the changes aim to address longstanding concerns that children entering care can lose contact with siblings, often with lasting emotional consequences. He described the reform as a step towards improving outcomes and stability for vulnerable children.
The move follows growing recognition within the sector that sibling relationships are frequently overlooked in placement decisions. Care-experienced individuals have highlighted the long-term impact of separation, with many describing sibling bonds as central to identity, support and belonging.
The amendment has received backing from sector organisations including the Family Rights Group and Become, both of which have campaigned for stronger protections. They welcomed the change as a significant step in addressing what has been described as a “hidden injustice” within the care system.
The legislation forms part of a broader programme of reform linked to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which aims to strengthen children’s social care and improve long-term outcomes for those in care.
Alongside the legal changes, the government has outlined additional measures to support sibling placements, including plans to create more foster care capacity and reduce the number of children placed far from home. Ministers say these efforts are intended to ensure more children can grow up in stable environments while maintaining key family relationships.
The amendment is expected to return to the House of Commons for further consideration following its initial approval in the House of Lords.
