In August, we’ll return to Camp Connect. The last time we took pictures for them, we were touched by this special camp which reunites separated foster siblings. We’re always on the lookout for innovative ways to help capture memories for this population! Got any ideas?
From Camp Connect Literature
Camp Connect San Diego is a partnership of Promises2Kids County of San Diego, and United Way of San Diego County. It provides an opportunity to strengthen family ties and create memories for brothers and sisters in foster care who live apart. Research shows that siblings in foster care who remain connected have better outcomes in school and in their placement. This same research also indicates an increased sense of belonging, identity, confidence, problems solving, self esteem, greater connections to their family of origin, and a decreased sense of loss and trauma.
Even though sibling separation is not routinely tracked by foster care agencies, San Diego County began tracking sibling placements in 2008 and is dedicated to improving relationships for fostering siblings through placements and case workers. Programs such as Camp Connect San Diego and the recruitment of mentors who serve sibling groups help in this effort. Approximately 70% of children placed in foster care have a sibling brother or sister and many are separated during placement. Promises2Kids si working with the County and United Way to develop and measure outcomes related to bringing foster siblings together.
Here’s a 2008 United Way article on Camp Connect: Camp Connect Brings Separated Siblings Together
