Six Siblings Find Supports They Can Count On Through Kinship Foster Care

When children enter foster care, the best outcome is often keeping brothers and sisters together. Nichole and Felix know this firsthand. Their journey as kinship caregivers show the challenges, and the rewards, of opening their home to keep siblings united.

Two years ago, Nichole and Felix were caring for their toddler son and Felix’s younger brother. When two more of Felix’s siblings entered foster care, the couple welcomed them without hesitation. 

Last year, three additional siblings needed a safe home. Nichole and Felix didn’t think twice when they welcomed all three. Today, their home is filled with seven children, four of whom are under age five. 

“We were doing sibling visits, so we knew the little kids before they lived with us,” Nichole explained. “When they came into care, if we didn’t take them in, they would have had nowhere to go.”

Taking in three more toddlers overnight required quick action. Nichole’s dad built a fence, a playground and sand pit within 72 hours. The couple secured bunk beds and a pack-and-play from Be the Source. Extended family stepped in to help with groceries, clothing, court appointments and respite care. 

“Those three people are always there to help no matter what it is,” said Nichole about her parents and Felix’s grandmother. “Sometimes they’ll take the kids to the park or their house, just so they can have a break.”

Managing seven kids means sticking to routines. Mornings are for school drop-offs, and evenings follow a set rhythm of homework, dinner, play, bath and bedtime stories. Nichole and Felix make sure each child gets individual attention.

“If you just take 20 minutes for one-on-one time – helping with homework or playing Barbie dolls or cars – it shows them they’re cared for and loved,” Nichole shared. 

Nichole and Felix have seen the difference keeping siblings together makes. Older children who once acted as caregivers to their younger brothers and sisters are now free to simply be kids. Teachers noticed improvements too, such as better engagement, more participation and new friendships at school.

“I think it’s important to keep them all together because they have been through the same experiences and have that close sibling bond,” Nichole said. “For the older kids, it gives them a sense of relief that their siblings are safe and cared for.”

Nichole and Felix’s biological son, Asher, age four, has also embraced his expanded family. He has formed a special bond with his kinship sister Maria. 

Kinship foster care training, especially classes on trauma, gave Nichole and Felix tools to handle challenging behaviors. Support from a family therapist at Savio House has also helped. 

“Honestly, just to see the kids grow up and live in a happy, loving home is so rewarding,” Nichole said. “If it wasn’t for the kids, we wouldn’t be doing this. We love these kids to death.”

Nichole and Felix’s journey shows the power of kinship care to keep siblings connected, safe and loved. With family, community and professional support, they are creating a stable home where children can thrive. 

Learn more about kinship care in Colorado at co4kids.org.