[KellyBelly]

My hubby and I started our classes yesterday, and everything went very well. I have done so much research on children in foster care that most things they went over were a review for me. However it was all very interesting, I did find out though that each child at the initial time of placement will get a $150 stipend so that we may buy them clothes and personal effects.

With this being said, my hubby and I have been collecting clothes, toys and such because we are so excited we just can't wait. I would like to find out what others have done to get ready for their future foster children? DId you hold back buying things until you were licensed, or did you buy them when you were going through classes? Any input would be helpful! Thanks in advance!

KellyBelly

[GAdreamer]

My husband and I just started classes as well... I've also done a lot of research on foster care. We are requesting ages 0-2 with hopes of adopting eventually.

On another message board, it was suggested that you have a set of clothes for each stage/age and sex you plan to foster for and possible sleeping apparel. Also if you plan on infants to be prepared with bottles, diapers and formula and kid friendly food.

Of course you have to have a bed and bedding in place as well as meet al the safety requirments for your state. Elec plug covers etc.

I have had friends give me things they weren't using and then I catogorized and boxed marking age/sex and season on each box.

I figure when we get the call we can just get that box down and we would be okay for 24 hrs and then make a store run.

I'm not sure how the reimbursement works, I would assume your receipts would need to be dated after your placement was made?

I plan on having what I call house clothes and toys and then use the $ for clothes/toys for a particular child. Those would go with the child.

Good luck

GAdreamer