How did you prepare your house for foster care?

My husband and I are starting the process to become foster parents. We have 2 bedrooms designated as kids rooms in the house already- one blue, one pink. We are open for children 0-5yrs. Do I need to have a crib, toddler bed and twin bed in my house before placement just in case? and Should I have an infant carseat, five point harness and a booster seat? I know there is financial help to get the child clothes once they are placed in your home, but should I have clothes already in case the child comes with nothing? I'm asking because with the age range we are preparing for, It seems impossible to be ready for anything.

Looney Tunes

Sometimes kids come to your home with NOTHING or in dirty, old clothes. Are you going to wait until you get the money from FC to get clothes for them?

or toys?

Not very welcoming.....Many of these kids have nothing.

I suggest getting a few items so that if children come to your home with nothing, you are prepared.
And then if you have older children (4-5), take them with you to pick out other things, so they can feel like they are getting something that is "theirs."

Some of the best toys to have available are stuffed animals and when a child comes, allow them to pick one for themselves. These act as soothing tools for a child who is confused, scared, hurt, etc. The stuffed animal would be "theirs."

And please, please....when a child "leaves," let them take their stuff. It is horrible to send them elsewhere with nothing again. It hurts the kids. Many of these kids literally have so little, it fits in a garbage bag. Let them take their stuff.

jess_navin_16

well the first step is knowing what the age of the child is and knowing weather its a boy or girl. You sound like a very loving and caring person so i don't think you should stress about it too much. Do what you think is best and i hope everything goes well for your foster child and husband

i also have to say thank you for being great to the kids out in the world who are looking for a home. You made my day with such kindness.

Beatrice B

It depends on what state you live in. This site will help you.

The Drummer

I would say don't buy anything but keep and eye on the market for things.

Buy some cloths but make them pretty generic so a boy or girl could wear them.

keep things pretty general so when you do find out who you will be getting you already know what you are doing and it will be a simple matter of clicking "buy" on a website :)

yes to the equipment they require that at time of home study. Most placements especially that age are emergency and not planed. you may get a call at work a child is coming home with you today or even a call at 2 am. The clothes they at least have clothes on and hopefully come with some. Depending on where you are you may get a clothing voucher once a year but it is not much. I don't think having clothes around will be good because you don't know what size, season, etc of the child/children you will be getting.
We had a convertible crib and we could get a twin if needed and we had an infant car seat and one of those convertible ones for older kids.

pourre

Hi, I am going for it. I will start orientation next week. I am looking for information on what the state is going to look for when they come to your house for approval to be a foster parent. I am sure cleanliness is one and safe home not electrical issues. I plan to take the classes and I would think that they will tell me what I need to know but I really would like to get started.

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