Introduction: Biological children in foster, adoptive, and kinship families are a vital yet often overlooked part of the caregiving system. Although research has examined outcomes for foster, adoptive, and kinship children, the perspectives of their biological siblings sharing the family environment remain largely unexplored. Understanding these experiences is essential for promoting the well-being of the entire family. Locally and culturally informed solutions are valuable, as family experiences and expectations vary across contexts.


Purpose: This study aimed to describe the demographics of biological children raised in families providing alternative care for non-biological children and explore their reflections on the most positive and challenging aspects of their experiences. A secondary goal was to examine both shared patterns and culturally specific differences across six nations.


Method: A mixed-methods online survey was completed by 383 adults aged 18-60 (M = 29.32, SD = 9.73) from India, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, and USA who had foster, adoptive, or kinship siblings. Participants responded to demographic items and two open-ended prompts regarding positive and challenging experiences. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, while thematic analysis identified common patterns in qualitative responses.


Results: Six key themes characterized positive experiences: personal growth, family identity, special sibling relationships, memorable shared experiences, faith and spiritual development, and complex emotions. Six themes captured challenges: loss of parental attention, emotional strain, parentification, household chaos and trauma exposure, social and external difficulties, and insufficient family preparation. Cultural variations emerged in the prominence of themes such as faith, relational expectations, and exposure to external challenges.


Conclusions: Biological children in caregiving families experience both meaningful benefits and unique challenges that differ from their siblings in care. Findings highlight the importance of culturally informed, systemic, and family-centered support strategies. Policies and training programs should consider the needs of biological children to enhance family resilience and ensure smoother transitions in alternative care.