Sibling Support and Discussion Groups

CITE (Community Integrated Training and Education) staff understand that not only the parents, but also the sibling of individuals with disabilities or serious illnesses need support and education to foster positive sibling bonds and family relationships.  Having heard parents' frustration about the lack of sibling supports within our community, CITE Services, through funding from The Spaulding Foundation, started the Sibling Support and Discussion Groups in 2005.

The Sibling Support and Discussion Groups are currently designed for siblings who are between the ages of 11 and 14, and have brothers and sisters with disabilities or serious illnesses.  (The program is planning to expand in the future to include a group for younger siblings).  The group provides opportunities for the young people to explore the concerns and opportunities they experience as the brother or sister of an individual with a disability or illness.  The siblings receive acknowledgment, confirmation, and support from other siblings who share similar experiences.  The siblings find that "they are not alone" and have peers who understand their own and the family's experience.

The groups promote discussion and support through self and group exploration, while engaging in age appropriate games, arts & crafts, and other activities which are fun and relevant.  The siblings are encouraged to problem-solve together to find possible solutions to difficult situations create exciting opportunities and share ideas that have either worked for them in the past or create new ideas to work for future experiences.

If you are interested in additional information or would like to register your child for attendance, please contact Sally Kilcoyne at (513) 619-2945 or at skilcoyne@rhcorp.org.