Getting Your Home and Family Ready for Your Foster Child

Once you are approved to become a Foster Parent. it is time to setup your home to accommodate your foster child. Below you will find a list to get you started (some items are for various ages and may not apply to you). Please note this list is not complete, but should put you in the "getting ready spirit."

Bedroom (check w/agency for min. sq.ft) with at least one window.

light

window treatments

bed with sheets, blanket, pillow, mattress cover

mirror

room decorations (age appropriate)

dresser

alarm clock

closet space with hangers

storage area or boxes

tooth brush & tooth paste

hair brush & comb

towel & cloth

soap, shampoo, conditioner

a seat at the kitchen table for your new child

a place to hang up jackets, coats, and hats

a car big enough for your family

Infant or car seat

crib and bedding

bottles, changing table, small toys, diaper bag

drawer locks

electrical outlet covers

fire extinguishers (at least one for each level of your home)

smoke alarms

over the counter medicines, thermometer

insurance (check with your agent)

fireplace screen or cover

protected wood burning stove

no peeling paint

no chipped counter tops

no exposed wires

hand rails on all steps

non slip steps

ground fault circuit in bathroom, kitchen or other areas w/water

A/C or house fan

This listing is meant to get you in the "getting ready spirit". Each home and child is unique. Your home has it's own needs to be addressed. Ask your local agency to come by and tell you what you need to do. Your new foster child may have special needs.

Getting your family ready.

Talk with your children individually or at a family meeting. It is important to consider the needs of your biological family. Discuss whom they may be expecting (a baby, toddler, teen, girl, boy, etc.), discuss potential problems, like how you will be spending time (appointments, school, coping with the new family) with the new child. Plan some special times with your biological children (take them individually out to lunch, work together on a project; for ex: cooking something or build something). Be organized. Do not ignore your children. Expect your children to be resentful to a new person joining the family. Protect your family by giving information that will keep your family safe. For ex: Do not share anything that could pass disease like a brush or a comb. Discuss the need for each family member to be patience with your new foster child.

Credits: Jeffrey Silla