Established by Kate Strohm in 1999, Siblings Australia is the only national organisation dedicated to addressing the life-long needs of brothers and sisters of people with disability. Its vision is Siblings: Acknowledged, Connected, Resilient.

Research and anecdotal evidence support the view that disability affects the lives of all family members. Siblings Australia has developed a national and international reputation for its work with families and professionals, through education, training, research and advocacy. It takes a whole of family approach in strengthening families and recognising that siblings have their own needs. With the right support, siblings can develop a good life for themselves alongside contributing to a good life for the person with disability.

Kate has presented workshops across Australia and overseas for both parents and professionals to promote awareness of sibling needs. Kate has also written a book on sibling issues titled Siblings: Brothers and Sisters of Children with Disability (2002, revised edition 2014, Wakefield Press, Adelaide), which has also been published in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

We have catered to all learning styles with a series of illustrated stories, real life sibling videos, visual graphics, readings and reflective questions along with extra resources.

Three siblings

Through exploring the lives of 3 siblings, you will better understand the unique challenges a sibling might face, how to think differently about our role in their lives, and act in the moments that really matter.

Digging deeper

Within each story, chapters delve deeper into siblings experiences. You will learn how to help siblings in their journey towards strength, resilience, and a closer relationship with their brother/sister with disability.

Importantly, as you voyage through the learning, there are opportunities to record your reflections which collate together for you to access later. There will also be a final evaluation to allow you to reflect further on your learnings.

How long is this course?

Each chapter will take approximately 45 mins to complete.

You will be able to undertake the course at your own pace and return to the page where you were with ease.

Certificate

On completion you can download a certificate.

Content development

SibWorks was developed by Siblings Australia, informed by the collective expertise, lived experience, and contributions of Siblings Australia staff, facilitators, siblings, and collaborators over time..

Design and development

Digital Learning and Design
Centre For Education
Women’s and Children’s Health Network (SA Health)

Funding

The development of SibWorks was funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS). Visit dss.gov.au for more information.

1. About SibWorks

SibWorks is a structured group program designed to support siblings of children with disability, chronic illness, or mental illness. The program is informed by research and practice evidence gathered over many years, with input from siblings, families, and service providers across Australia.

SibWorks focuses on building emotional wellbeing, resilience, and connection among siblings. The program is designed to have lasting benefits beyond the formal sessions, with parents and carers recognised as key partners in supporting ongoing outcomes.

2. Program Scope and Format

SibWorks is primarily designed for siblings aged 8–12 years but may be adapted for other age groups or populations at the discretion of the facilitator.

The program is typically delivered across seven sessions or as an intensive three-day format.

Facilitators are expected to deliver the program in accordance with the approved design and structure. Minor adaptations may be made only where necessary to meet participant needs or address practical constraints, and must not compromise the program’s core principles, learning outcomes, or intent. Facilitators should seek guidance and approval from Siblings Australia prior to making any modifications.

3. Learning Outcomes and Use of Materials

The SibWorks training and resources are designed to support facilitators to:

• Respond to the unique needs of siblings
• Deliver support to siblings in a peer group format
• Apply developmental theory in practice
• Implement all core elements of the SibWorks program

Materials are provided for professional use only in delivering SibWorks programs. They must not be altered, reproduced, shared, or repurposed outside the scope of the program without written permission from Siblings Australia.

4. Intellectual Property

All SibWorks content, including online learning materials, manuals, activity books, and associated resources, remains the intellectual property of Siblings Australia.

The purchase of any SibWorks product grants a non-transferable, non-exclusive licence for use by the purchaser or nominated facilitators approved at the time of purchase.

Materials must not be shared, copied, uploaded, or distributed to individuals or organisations who have not purchased or been authorised to access the program.

5. Access to Online Learning

Access to the online learning platform is provided to the individual purchaser or to the nominated facilitators listed at the time of purchase. Login details must not be shared.

Siblings Australia reserves the right to suspend or revoke access if misuse or unauthorised sharing is identified.

6. Authorised Facilitators and Organisational Purchases

Where SibWorks is purchased by an organisation or as a multi-facilitator package, access is limited to the number of approved facilitators at the time of purchase.

Organisations must not use a single purchase to train or resource additional facilitators beyond the agreed number without prior approval from Siblings Australia.

Organisations are responsible for ensuring that nominated facilitators have appropriate qualifications, experience, and professional background relevant to working with children and families and are suitably skilled to deliver group-based programs in emotionally safe and developmentally appropriate ways.

7. Program Delivery Notification

Facilitators and organisations delivering SibWorks agree to notify Siblings Australia of their intent to deliver the program, including the approximate timing and delivery location or format, prior to commencement.

This information is collected for quality assurance, reporting, and program improvement purposes only, and enables Siblings Australia to support promotion of the program where agreed.

8. Pricing and Purchasing

All prices are listed in Australian dollars and include GST.

Available options include:

• Online Learning Only: $450
Facilitator Pack (includes postage): $550
• SibWorks Package (Online Learning + Facilitator Pack): $750

Online Learning may be purchased directly via the training platform. Facilitator Packs and SibWorks Packages are arranged via email with Siblings Australia.

9. Refunds and Cancellations

Due to the nature of digital content and printed materials, refunds are not available once access to the online learning has been granted or physical resources have been dispatched, except where required by Australian Consumer Law.

10. Duty of Care and Safeguarding

Facilitators are responsible for ensuring a safe, inclusive, and emotionally supportive environment for all participants.

SibWorks is a preventative and psychoeducational program and is not a therapeutic or clinical intervention.

Facilitators must:

• Work within their professional scope of practice
• Hold and maintain a current Working With Children Check (or equivalent child-related clearance required in their state or territory)
• Follow relevant organisational safeguarding, child safety, and mandatory reporting requirements
• Seek appropriate support or referral if a participant requires clinical or specialist intervention

11. Limitation of Liability

Siblings Australia is not responsible for outcomes arising from program delivery, facilitator practice, or participant engagement. Responsibility for safe and appropriate delivery rests with the facilitator and their employing organisation.

12. Geographic Scope and Shipping

SibWorks training and resources are developed for an Australian audience and are intended for use within Australia.

Currently, Siblings Australia does not offer international shipping of the SibWorks Facilitator Handbook or Activity Books. Physical materials will only be posted to Australian addresses.

The SibWorks Facilitator Handbook and Activity Books are not available in digital format and will not be provided electronically or via email.

Access to online learning may be available to international purchasers at Siblings Australia's discretion; however, program materials and delivery expectations are designed to align with Australian policy, legislation, and practice contexts.

SibWorks Facilitator Agreement

This Agreement outlines the responsibilities and expectations of individuals or organisations delivering the SibWorks program.

1. Agreement to Deliver SibWorks

By purchasing and/or delivering SibWorks, the facilitator or organisation agrees to:

• Deliver the program in accordance with SibWorks principles, learning outcomes, and intended design
• Use SibWorks materials only for authorised SibWorks programs
• Acknowledge Siblings Australia as the content developer

2. Facilitator Responsibilities

Facilitators agree to:

• Hold relevant qualifications, experience, or training appropriate to working with children and families
• Maintain current Working with Children Checks and comply with all child safety legislation
• Ensure appropriate supervision, risk management, and participant support
• Communicate clearly with parents/carers about the purpose and scope of the program

3. Adaptations and Terminology

Facilitators may adapt language or terminology to suit their participant group (for example, using terms other than “disability”), provided the program's intent is preserved, and the adaptations are respectful and inclusive.

4. Use of Branding and Acknowledgements

Facilitators must not rebrand, rename, or present the SibWorks program as their own.

Any promotional, reporting, or public-facing material relating to the delivery of SibWorks must acknowledge:
Content development: Siblings Australia

Where appropriate, acknowledgment should also be given to the original design and funding partners involved in the development of SibWorks.

5. Facilitator Community and Updates

Facilitators are encouraged to join the SibWorks Facilitator Facebook group, which is used to share program updates, resources, and practice guidance: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1651049478930652/

6. Confidentiality and Privacy

Facilitators must handle participant information in accordance with privacy legislation and organisational policies. Information shared within the group setting should be treated as confidential, within the limits of safeguarding and mandatory reporting obligations.

7. Termination of Agreement

Siblings Australia may terminate this agreement and revoke access to SibWorks materials if terms are breached, including misuse or unauthorised distribution of materials.

8. Governing Law

The laws of Australia govern this Agreement.

By purchasing, accessing, or delivering the SibWorks program, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions and the Facilitator Agreement.