Two siblings were adopted together, even though the older brother had significant health challenges, thanks to a caring couple who welcomed them both.
Seven-year-old Dawson was anxious that he and his older brother, Dalton, might be separated as they grew up. The two had been facing hardships in the foster care system.
Dalton’s cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and total paralysis made it hard to find a family willing to adopt him.
While many families showed interest in Dawson, he feared they would be split up to find permanent homes.
Dawson and his brother Dalton flourish in their new home, thanks to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and their adoptive parents, Robbin and Steven.
When the boys joined the family, Dawson was in second grade but was reading at a kindergarten level.
With the encouragement and care from his family, Dawson has made remarkable strides.
“Everything just fell into place, and he took off,” his mom said. “He made the honor roll for four consecutive semesters.”
Robbin says she couldn’t have asked for better sons. She believes Dawson’s character is deeply influenced by his close relationship with Dalton, describing her older son as an essential part of Dawson’s heart.
Dawson, on the other hand, shared that he aspires to become a doctor, driven by the challenges Dalton has faced with his health. He wants to help others just like Dalton’s doctors helped him.
“I would do anything for Dalton,” Dawson said. “I just love spending time with him.”
Steve and Robbin have made their home more accessible for Dalton by adding a specialized van and a new wheelchair. They are also collaborating with local businesses to create an accessible swimming pool.
In a video by the foundation, Robbin referred to Dalton as “the best gift I’ve ever received,” expressing how much joy and love he brings into her life.
Difficulties sibling groups encounter in foster care
According to Adoption and Foster Care, keeping sibling groups together is difficult because these groups are often large, with 2 to 9 children, and foster carers might not have enough space, time, or resources.
Because of these challenges, foster placements typically only handle 2 or 3 siblings at a time.
Furthermore, the wide range of ages within sibling groups and the presence of the carers’ children can make it challenging to meet everyone’s needs adequately.
Children often enter foster care at different times due to their parents’ circumstances. Siblings may also end up in various types of care, such as living with relatives or in other foster homes.
Maintaining sibling connections through regular visits and family time is crucial to ensure they don’t drift apart.
Many prospective foster parents are concerned about the difficulties of caring for multiple siblings.
However, foster care offers flexibility with options like short-term, emergency, long-term, or kinship care.
Foster carers have numerous opportunities to make a positive difference in children’s lives. Even a short stay in a safe, loving environment can greatly benefit a group of siblings.
Why is it crucial for siblings to be placed together for adoption?
Sibling relationships often endure throughout life, surpassing even the closest friendships and family ties. These connections play a key role in shaping our identity and sense of belonging.
Keeping these relationships intact is vital, especially during childhood and adolescence, when young people face significant challenges.
Children in foster care frequently experience anxiety and trauma due to abuse, neglect, and separation from their families.
Remaining with their siblings can provide essential support, offering a familiar face and understanding during difficult times.
Having a sibling nearby can also ease the process of getting to know foster carers and families.
Staying with siblings can help children feel more confident in forming positive relationships in their foster homes.
Research from around the world demonstrates the many benefits of keeping siblings together.
These benefits include better interactions with friends, reduced emotional and behavioral problems, improved academic performance, and mutual support between siblings.
The evidence strongly suggests that, whenever feasible, foster siblings should be adopted together.
Check out Dawson and Dalton’s story below:
