Sibling Resources

The following sibling resources may be helpful to you as you seek ways to support your children after the premature birth of a child, a child with special health or developmental needs, or in the event of a loss. If you have resource to recommend, please contact Erika Goyer at Erika [at] handtohold [dot] org. Please also check out Hand to Hold’s online resource directory and the Siblings Soar blog.

Web-Based Resources

Association for Children with a Disability – Sib Fact Sheets
Place for teen siblings to find out about the common issues sibs of children with special health care needs have and places to find support.

Sibs Websites
Select “Siblink” (a website for primary age sibs) or “Your Shout” (a website for adolescent sibs). Siblings can share stories and tips on how to maintain a balanced life with a brother or sister who has special health care needs.

SibKids Listserv
Listserv for young and adult brothers and sisters of children with special health care needs. Siblings can connect and share stories through this site.

Sibling Support Project
Find a sibling support program in your local area.

Austin-Based Community Resources

For the Love of Christi – (512) 467-2600
Offers free grief support and counseling for children and teens who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

Hospice of Austin – (512) 342-4700
Offers grief counseling, bereavement and support groups for children ages four and up who have experienced the loss of a sibling or loved one.

My Healing Place – (512) 472-7878
Provides support to children who have experienced grief, loss and trauma. Support groups, art therapy and counseling is available for children who have experienced the loss of a sibling.

Camp Brave Heart - (512) 342-4700

Hospice Austin’s Camp Brave Heart brings together the fun of a recreational camp with grief support for kids ages 6 through 17 who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

Comfort Zone Camp – (512) 329-4200
Bereavement camp for children ages 7-17.

Sibshops – (512) 924-8655
Sibshops for siblings of children with special health, mental health, and developmental needs are available. Support is offered through a workshop-based recreational context. Laura Romero, trained and registered Sibshop Facilitator and Sibling Support Specialist with Hand to Hold, offers workshops.

Rio Grande Counseling Center – (512) 480-0205
Rio Grande Counseling Center provides counseling services for children and families and bilingual/bicultural services to the central Texas area with specialties in sexual abuse for children and families, play therapy, and family therapy.

Central Texas Counseling – (512) 246-2232 Round Rock; (512) 246-1490 South Austin
Central Texas Counseling is a multi-disciplinary mental health provider with therapists who work with all ages, from children to elders, in both Round Rock and South Austin locations. Staff therapists provide individual therapy, marriage and family therapy, chemical dependency counseling, group therapy, Christian counseling and play therapy to children and adults.

Samaritan Center for Counseling and Pastoral Care – (512) 451-7337
The Samaritan Center provides affordable counseling to prevent and treat abuse, strengthen families, and help individuals develop healthy life skills. They serve children, youth, women, men, older adults, veterans and military families from one of our offices in Austin, San Marcos, Round Rock or Georgetown.