[leenab]

We're expecting foster children in about 2 weeks. So I had to work them into our monthly budget. Our age range is 0-2years so I have a baby list and a toddler list. Let me know if these numbers sound right. We live near a few outlet malls so I'll be getting some great deals on clothing.

TODDLER LIST
Clothing
10 3 pair pajamas
100 10 outfits kid outlet?
14 10 underwear
20 winter jacket
3 hat
3 mittens/gloves
10 tennis shoes
10 dress shoes
15 winter boots
10 5 undershirts
195
Gear
20 High chair/booster
60 stroller
13 Potty chair
20 crib comforter
5 bathtub shoppers world
? carseat (price dependant upon pounds)
313

BABY LIST
15 5 pair pajamas
40 10 outfits
20 winter jacket
5 3 inside hats
3 winter hat
3 mittens/gloves
10 shoes/booties
12 9 onezies
24 bottles dr browns
96 diapers (yes we're going the cloth route)
40 Formula (until we start the WIC program)

268
65 stroller & bathtub from toddler list
333

Does this seem right? We already have 2 cribs and enough sheets and mattress pads for 10 cribs. We also have a lot of toys and will probably buy a few more once we have the children.
Everything is already kid-proofed and the children's room has everything it needs in the way of safety and comfort, even an air purifier. We will have to buy one car seat as we already have one. Here in NJ children come with a check to help with all of the initial needs, but I want to budget for all of the needs just in case.

Thanks,
LeenaB

[mamakimberly]

Before you buy all of that stuff (great checklist, IMHO, and I have a 10.5 month old bio daughter).... I would check with your local foster parenting resources (any type of coalition, organization, etc.) and see if you can get some stuff that way!

We've been amazed at the resources available to us!

[shanzelka]

We received kids the same day we were licensed and they weren't in our age range (we wanted 3-7, we got two 2s and a 10). They came with the clothes on their backs and needed everything, including two toddler beds (we only had a twin bed). We haven't received any money yet from the state--probably next month. We're hoping to get the clothing and diaper allowances next month, too. Luckily we had the money to provide for them, but I think new foster parents need to know that they may have to go awhile without any funds.

[leenab]

Shanz,
what state are you in? just curious. so far everyone we've talked to in NJ has had the experience of children coming with nothing but a check and the clothes or diaper on. it's a standard here to get a check issued when you receive the child. and then one between the 10th and the 14th of the month. we aren't too dependant upon the check; we have an unused IVF fund that is going to be used for our fost/adopt children. we just couldn't stand the idea of spending a single penny on IVF when there are children out there who really need us.

we also get to choose which children we will and won't take. but NJ has a foster parent crisis right now, with too many children and not enough homes for them. this month they've begun to permit fost/adopt parents to choose the race and sex of the child, which was never a possiblity before. before you could only choose the age of the child. we should receive a placement fairly quickly as we're racially open and age 0-2yrs (we're a racially mixed couple so taking a child of another race isn't a problem for us). I only mention this because out of our training class of 18 families there was only one other family that was racially open. we're expecting a call on tuesday for our temp liscence walk through. now it's just a matter of waiting.

[shanzelka]

We're in Arizona. We actually started this to adopt. We were lead to believe that these children had been removed before. This was the first time. We have decided to let the children move to a long-term foster home after our three months is up so that our home will be open for a child that is free to adopt. We haven't received any funds yet from the state. The only thing they've covered is childcare.

[leenab]

Hi Shanz,
I know here in NJ in fost/adopt we won't get a child who is free to adopt. What happens is that we'll foster a child who will most likely be adoptable. While we're fostering parental rights will be terminated. NJ has a schedule, can't remember the name of it, but anyway the child should be adoptable and have a TPR by the 12th month. Usually the CW can tell you if it looks like it'll be a TPR situation. Our main goal of fostering is to adopt too.

I can't believe Arizona is so far behind. Dept of Youth and Family Services in NJ is improoving as it's under a ton of scrutiny right now with the press it's been getting. So they're managing to stay on top of things. We won't be using child care as I stay at home. DH believes that women should stay at home so as soon as we got married I began to stay at home and try to get pregnant (didn't work). So I've been at home for over two years so we won't be using childcare. I have heard that it can be difficult to find openings for DYFS children (each daycare center only has so many openings for state children and you have to use an approved center).

LeenaB

[shanzelka]

We can use any daycare we want, but they will only pay a portion of it. We have told our caseworker that we only want children who are already, or are going to be, free for adoption. She's pretty optimistic that it will be within the next 3-6 months that we're matched. I'll keep you posted! Susan