[leenab]

If the children are coming from another foster home they should be coming with clothing. Both of my boys came from other foster homes with "clothing". I only say this because that is what it was considered. Most of the things R came with were either too small or falling apart. His shoes were size 9, but his feet were a 10 1/2. I showed his worker the stuff and they ended up issuing us a check for clothes. Until we received a check he shared clothes with O.

When O came he only came with sweatpants, a million different sweatpants. They were in okay shape, too big on him though. His worker dropped off a check with him.

In NJ they generally issue a clothing allowance, carseat allowance and a diaper/formula allowance when the child is placed. I know sometimes the state is really desperate and I've heard of them dropping off beds for children to sleep in. We've never had that happen to us, but it's not unheard of.

T, a little 2 yr old girl was placed with us last tuesday and literally came with the clothes on her back, a bottle in her hand and 12 diapers. That was it! And the clothes she was wearing were too big, a size 3t and she's barely a size 24 months. So she needed everything.

Financially get ready, the allowance $$ won't cover everything. Trust me it all starts adding up. Toothbrushes, hair brushes, hair decorations for girls, shampoos & conditioners & oils & goop, diapers, wipes, creams & ointments, OTC medicines that they need, extra papertowels, all the laundry you'll be doing, clothes, toys, tons of food (especially for 3 more), sports activities @ YMCA, school supplies, daycare/preschool/afterschool activities, new sippy cups, shoes (you know their shoes aren't going to fit them), winter jackets and clothes, pajamas, the list goes on.....

Enjoy the children,
LeenaB