Sibling Relationships: Theory And Issues For Practice

The impact of sibling relationships on how people develop has been dramatically under-emphasised in the literature on child development. Drawing together new and established research, this accessible text shows that these relationships are crucial to professionals' under-standing of the children and the families they work with. Sibling Relationships offers a theoretically grounded and culturally sensitive account of the many complexities of sibling relationships, emphasising the significance of these for practice and the ways in which the effectiveness of work with children and families can be enhanced by promoting positive connections between brothers and sisters. It examines a range of adverse circumstances for children and families - substance abuse, domestic violence, loss, disability and mental illness - considering how sibling relationships are affected by these circumstances, and how relationships with siblings might help to promote resilience in children. Practice notes provide examples of how sibling relationships can become an important focus in the work of professionals. This is the first book to link knowledge of sibling relationships to the practice of working with families. It will be important reading for anyone interested in children and families, including students and professionals in the areas of social work, counselling, applied social studies and childhood studies. Review: 'The book is well organised and the key questions are set out clearly and logically. It should prove a valuable addition to a practitioner's library about family life' - Adoption & Fostering Table of Contents: PART 1: AN INTRODUCTION TO SIBLING RELATIONSHIPS Sibling Relationships: The Big Picture Sibling Relationships in the Family Context Changing Understandings of Sibling Relationships The Quality of Sibling Relationships PART 2: ISSUES FOR PRACTICE Family Support and Sibling Relationships Abuse and Sibling Relationships Loss and Sibling Relationships Into Practice Appendix A: Genogram in a Complex Family Situation Appendix B: Assessing Sibling Relationships in Practice Author Biography: ROBERT SANDERS is lecturer in child welfare and child development at University of Wales, Swansea. He is the author of The Management of Child Protection (Ashgate 1999) and co-author, with Matthew Colton and Margaret Williams, of An Introduction to Working with Children (Palgrave 2001).