Siblings in the care system

That this House notes the urgent need to improve sibling contact for children in care; further notes that research shows more than 70 per cent of looked-after children with a sibling in care are separated from that brother or sister; further expresses concern about the harm caused when sibling relationships are needlessly ripped apart in the care system; further notes that current legislation requires a looked-after child to have reasonable contact with their parents, without recognising the provision for a looked-after child’s contact with their siblings or half siblings; urges the Government to recognise the importance of sibling bonds and shared experience in the care system; and further emphasises the importance of documentaries, such as Split up in Care – Life Without Siblings, in rising awareness of the real life impact of sibling separation.