Adopting from foster care, will the child have any personal items with them?

Randy B

In my area, the monthly money we get it supposed to be used for the child's expenses which include food, suitable clothing for the season and any other basic expenses. With that said, we are supposed to keep an inventory of the child's possessions and be able to present that for review at any time. Now, nobody is saying we have to have it ready at all times but when the child leaves our care we are supposed to make sure that, at a minimum, they leave with the basic clothing (luggage was recently added as well so that the children do not travel with garbage bags of clothes) requirements as outlined in our directives. If the child leaves and there is not the basic "kit list" with them then we are obligated to make up the differences. It should never be an issue if the money is used properly.

If the baby comes to you without at least the basic clothing items she is entitled to then I'd be questioning it. Those clothes that were purchased while she was in foster care are hers, not the foster parents. Hopefully there will not be an issue and if there is it's up to you to decide whether or not to fight it on principle.

Either way, congratulations.

sweetjane

It largely depends on the foster family.....what they will still need, what they are willing to give to you. Honestly, our foster family gave us everything except the bed and linens. They must have had 7 bags of clothes, 3 boxes of toys, etc. Most foster parents will give you enough to get started. What you want to make sure to get is ANY and ALL items that relate to her birth....first picture (or copy), first blanket, shoes, outfit, who visited the hospital, any and all info about the birth, etc. If the foster family has had her since birth, they may be willing to tell you about the birth, their first memories of holding her, their visits with the first mommy. All of that would be great to have for your daughter---for stories to tell her and for her baby book. You also need to get photos of the foster family for your daughter to have later. Remember that this will be a VERY difficult time for this foster family--as they have bonded with the child. Be sensitive and kind, be gracious, offer to keep in touch and to send pictures--ONLY if you will actually follow through. It is important for your daughter to know her history.....so keeping this family's pictures and stories close to her will be a great gift to her. Take care!

anastasia beaverhausen-the real1

well, when my parents got me out of foster care, the foster family kept the everyday stuff like bottles and all bc they get more kids after this one leaves.

my parents brought an outfit for me and had all the baby stuff at home. so i guess i would be prepared!

congrats and best wishes:)

Looney Tunes

If the child was in a group home, don't expect much.
Otherwise, it depends on where the child was before.

Sometimes my foster famililes let me take something, most times not. Usually the children come with their clothes on their back, a couple other clothes, broken toys and a few personal items.

PLEASE have a stuffed animal for the baby. New soft stuffed animals are used alot to help children transition. They are soothing and something that the child can have that is her own.

Don't be surprised if the stuff comes in a trash bag.....not uncommon and really sad.

Congrats for helping a child who really needs a home!

reneaumommy

it really depends. We got two sisters last year age 4 and 6. They came with several bags of clothing, some old worn out shoes, and one very small box of toys. I went thought the clothing and found about 10 items that were not completely stained. We went shopping the first day they were here and they had so much fun trying on clothes and picking out what they wanted. They left 3 months later. With tons of nice clothing and 7 pair of shoes each. A van and a car load of toys (one of them had a birthday here and we had christmas (large family).

We recently got another little girl (age 3). She came with very nice clothing and shoes and a few nice toys(a barbie, a stuufed animal, and some polly pockets).

Since the child is coming from a foster home she should have the basic items you will need. I would go ahead and get a few outfits and bottles etc just to be prepared.

RPMR

Depends on the foster parents. My son had so much clothe when he came to live with us! Even after that I called his ex-foster mom and asked if she had any of his baby clothe we could keep to show him as he grows up. She mailed me a big box full of little clothe and shoes! She is great! Hope you have the same luck!

FYI:
After my son arrived, CPS wanted a list of everything he brought with him to make sure his FM sent his things. So it wouldn't look good for a foster parent to send a child anywhere without his/her belongings!

Congrats on your new addition! May God bless him throughout his life!

Katy

My family does foster care and whenever a child moves on from our care, whatever was purchased for them while they were living with us, or was given to them from their birth parents goes with them to their new family. xx

Mom to Foster Children

She will come with everything that was hers (if mom or dad sent anything along) and the items that were purchased for her while in care...clothes / bottles / toys...etc. One of our foster children (who we are adopting on Thursday) moved in with clothes / toys from when he was a toddler - he throws nothing away...and a small photo album that he calls his angel book with pic's of his mother and some other people that we don't know who they are...he looks at it all the time.

mom of many

as the others have said, it all depends. But if you know the age and approximate size (and she is under 10, then buy her a few things in advance. If she is older than that then take her shopping as soon as you can when she gets there. Even as a little girl she might like to go pick out some of her own clothes.

Dream_Weaver

In Ohio, there is a list that has all the items that a child leaves the foster home with. I don't know if it applies to all states, but I know if I was in your situation than the child would come with at least that amount of items if not more. I also know, here at least, that we have to foster a child in our home for six months before we can petition to adopt. In that time we could receive an initial clothing voucher for the child. I would check with your caseworker to see, they should have all the information for you.

mony sue

WHO CARES :) Its a great reason to go shopping and buy that wonderful new baby all brand new stuff. To be able to show her all the amazing new things she is going to have so much fun with. If it were me I would have already bought out half of Macy's LOL Congrts.on the baby girl....

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