[jazerb]

Thanks so much for all your replies and suggestions! I have a few more questions about the overnight bags. A few of you said CPS might not always hand out the bags and better to set up a phone # for fp's to call. This is a great idea...never thought of that. However, my personal thought was that I wanted the bags to be given to the child immediately upon removal from the bio family....before taken to the FP house so they can have comfort items like pillow, blanket & stuffed animal in their possesion when they arrive. It's got to be so scary for these kids to be removed from the only environment they know....no matter how bad.....without some kind of personal security item to clutch onto. I know police keep stuffed animals in their car trunks to give kids for this very purpose....to help make what's happening less scary. You know what I mean?

Also, (sorry so long!) What about including a non-perishable food item like granola bars or fruit chews in the bag? Also, from your experience, have any of these kids ever enjoyed something as simple as a Happy Meal before? I know someone who works at Jack in the Box corporate office and could probably get hooked up with some free kid's meal vouchers. Can try to get these from some of the bigger places too.....McDonalds or Burger King. Is this something good for the bags?

Again, thanks for all your feedback! Jill