In Iowa, minors under guardianship can be separated from their siblings without notice or explanation, often leaving them without a voice in these life-changing decisions. This lack of communication and consideration can cause significant emotional harm and disrupt family unity. To address this critical issue, we have developed the WILD Sibling Protection Initiative—Wellbeing, Inclusion, Love, and Due Process—to mandate essential safeguards for sibling relationships in minor guardianship cases. THIS IS A NATIONAL ISSUE!!!!

Currently, the system does not require guardianship petitions to identify all siblings, nor does it notify them of hearings, leaving siblings to face separation without understanding or reason. Our initiative calls for mandatory sibling identification and the completion of a "Sibling Identification Form" to include all known siblings, regardless of the household.

Key components of the initiative include automatic notification of hearings for siblings aged 10 and above, presumption of sibling inclusion as beneficial unless proven otherwise, guaranteed rights to regular visitation, and the opportunity for siblings to submit impact statements. More so, minors 14 and older should have the right to direct access to court, reflecting their voices and concerns.

Despite Iowa Code § 232.108 providing rights in foster care, it falls short for guardianship cases, and the Iowa Minor Guardianship Proceedings Act (2020) does not address sibling rights sufficiently. This lack of legal framework means siblings are too often excluded, labeled as irrelevant, and their bonds dismissed, leading to emotional trauma and a loss of identity and protection.

The WILD Initiative seeks to correct these deficiencies by bolstering procedural safeguards for siblings, demanding transparency and accountability, and assuring that sibling relationships are recognized and preserved. Each child deserves the love, strength, and continuity that sibling relationships can provide.

We urge the Iowa Legislature, Iowa Judicial Branch, and Guardianship Reform Committees to implement this comprehensive initiative, setting a precedent for sibling protection nationwide. Please join us by signing this petition to ensure siblings are included, their voices respected, and their rights protected in all future guardianship proceedings.