[basimah]

I'm not adopting but I am a foster parent...well soon to be I guess. I have agreed to accept my 1st placement of an 11 yo boy and am wondering how to go about introducing myself and family to the child. I'm thinking that anything like a scrapbook would be overkill since this at least for the moment is not a forever placement. And plus he is currently in a hospital so I don't know what he can have in there. I was thinking of a letter from me and one from my son just talking about ourselves and stuff. I've been able to read all sorts of things about him so I think it's only fair that he gets something about us that he can review as well. He does have a choice in this in that he doesn't have to agree to it if he doesn't think it would be a good match. I want him to know what he's getting himself into so he doesn't get set up for failure. Does this sound like an ok idea? And what things should I include in the letter? Yikes...I just remembered that he doesn't read very well. Any suggestions?

[MilehighDad]

I am not a long term foster parent, we have always looked for kids that were already TPR'd. We did have a couple of short term respite placement. I don't think foster parents usually have enough time and opportunity to make an introduction with a letter, but if you can I think it would be a great idea. Just a quick letter with a picture of your family would at least let him know who you are when he first sees you. Every move for a child is traumatic, but the impact can be reduced by any means that allows the child to be less stressed before, during, and after the move. I would also suggest trying to find out what he likes to eat and having that for dinner the first night. My wife also has a trick of baking cookies before someone shows up to make the house smell like cookies. Good luck!!!

[joskids]

Maybe just a simple letter stating that you are happy that he's coming to stay with you for as long as he needs to. The day he gets there, show him around and establish the rules right away. Children new to a home need the security of knowing what is acceptable and what is not acceptable -- right from the start. Best wishes on this placement

[minibus]

When we were transitioning kids into new homes (I worked in foster care for several years), we always had the parents take pictures of themselves and their families, any family pets, the home, and the room where the child would be staying. Put it into a little book if you can, no big deal if you can't. I wouldn't be too wordy ... most kids do better with pictures.

Best of luck to you!