About the program

SibWorks is an early-intervention in-person peer-support program for siblings (aged 8-12 years) of children with disability or chronic illness. 

The program aims to reduce social isolation, enhance social networks, improve relationships between family members and build children’s resilience and emotional well-being.

Program structure

SibWorks is run as a structured program delivered in 2 hour blocks over 7 weeks (or a 3-day intensive course.) The program is suitable for groups of 6-10 children and requires 2 facilitators.

Each session covers a set theme and includes a mix of individual and group reflective exercises plus physical activities. Some of the themes explored by facilitators include:

• individual differences
• expression of feelings
• problem solving
• coping with difficult situations.

A pre-program interview is strongly advised for the participants and their caregivers, and guidelines are provided for a caregiver information session.

Evaluation and effectiveness

A randomised control trial (Roberts et al., 2015) was conducted in 2015 with 42 participants aged 8 to 12 (22 were participants assigned to the intervention group, and 20 participants were assigned to the control group). Outcomes were measured at pre and post-treatment stages and at a 3-month follow up point.

Results showed that children in the intervention group had improved emotional and behavioural functioning with a medium to large effect post-intervention and at the 3-month follow up period. 

References

Roberts, R.M., Ejova, A., Giallo, R., Strohm, K., Lillie, M., & Fuss, B. (2015). A controlled trial of the SibworkS group program for siblings of children with special needs. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 43-44, 21 – 31.