As of right now in the Uk, if a parent decides one sibling cannot see another under their care, there is little they can do about it.

Even if it’s what both siblings want, regardless of how long they have been in each other’s lives, a parent holds the power to control this relationship with little repercussion. 

When I was 15, myself, my brother and my 2 year old sister were removed from our home under a child protection order against my mother. Myself (15) and my brother (11) never returned, my 2 year old sister was eventually placed back in the home and my mother went on to have another child. 

We eventually reconnected and I became heavily involved in my sisters lives, as my mum slipped back into old habits and began abusing alcohol, prescription drugs and becoming psychically and verbally abusive, we raised concerns to both her and my youngest sisters (6) dad and were immediately shut out of any contact with girls for a while. 

My oldest sister (then around 8)  was then removed from the home by her father after she made similar claims to the ones my brother and I made 7 years previously. Her father immediately restored contact and allowed us to continue our relationship. 

However 2 years on my sister now finds herself in the same position, at age (now 10) she has to bend to her mums will and is only allowed a relationship with her sister under her mothers terms and conditions - forced visitation and contact with her mother. This has caused immense strain and emotional distress to my sister.  

According to Child Welfare Information Gateway, maintaining sibling relationships can provide stability during tumultuous times (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2019). It is unjust that parental decisions can sever these vital connections. 

Legally, there is nothing we can do about this. Our youngest sister (age 6) is in the home alone unaware how desperately we want to see her and love her. She has a very excited nephew who wants her at his 5th birthday party in October. We all hope that we can make that happen. 

We miss our little sister terribly, there’s a gap in our lives and we hope that we can change this so that nobody ever has to experience this again and feel like nobody is listening to them and “there is nothing anybody can do”.

Sign this petition to advocate for legal rights allowing siblings to visit each other regardless of their parents' choices.

UPDATE:

My sister is in a helpless situation now. Being failed by all local services and isolated during the 6 week holidays.

This has to change. We need help. We feel ignored, we feel dismissed and we feel like nobody can understand the gravity of the situation she is in.