[jae101]

Hi everyone!!

I was called on Tuesday from the agency asking if I would take a sibling group (8months & 2 years old). I agreed to do it since it is my first placement. The agency advised me that the kids are at ashelter, and stated that I could visit if I wanted to. So I went for the visit yesterday and enjoyed myself. Here are my questions.

Do I need to get the car seats for these kids or will they come with one?

What questions should I ask the agency that will help me out?

Is there a chance that placement will not happen?

Should I start getting the clothes and other items or should I wait until they are placed?

Sorry for the questions but I am new to everything. I just started the process in Jan 2008

[sdiedre]

1) you will need to get carseats
2) Get their medicaid infor (or an temp card) IMMEDIATELY; find out what clinics/drs in the area take medicaid (you will want to take the kids in right away for a check)
3)Yes
4) I generally try to keep a small amount of emergency clothes for both genders in the sizes that match the ages I am open for....ie pajamas, socks, undies and a change of clothes. You could always get some stuff but keep tags on until the kids are there

Good Luck!

[xxsurroundedbyxy]

Don't buy too much--just a few outfits and some jammies. They should receive a clothing allowance after coming into care and in our state you cannot buy and then get reimbursed, you must use the voucher at one store and spend the entire amount.

Does your county have a foster parent association? If you are not sure, call your agency and ask. When we were considering an infant (but she got too ill to leave the hospital), I called the association and they had two NEW carseats donated to them by the local children's hospital. I was told I could use one as long as I needed and to bring it back clean is all they asked. They also had a stroller and bassinet. They also have a clothes closet that you can go and pick some things out of so that you have something while awaiting the voucher.

So they may have everything you need without you running out and buying everything only to have the placement fall through.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Kim

[jae101]

So is it possible that the placement will fall through. I just want to be prepared since this is the first time, but at the same time I do not want to buy alot of things only to have placement fail. I will take your advice and get a few items and go from there.

[xxsurroundedbyxy]

Jae101~
Did they say WHEN they planned on placing the kids with you or why they were allowing you visits but not moving them out of the shelter immediately?

We may need a little more info if you have it to let you know what sounds normal and the risk of placement failure.

I, personally, have not taken in a foster child from a shelter. Was their mom in the shelter with them or is this a type of emergency shelter for fosters until a placement home can be found?

I'll try and help you prepare but I may need some more insight.

Do you have a crib for 8mo old? I would recommend a toddler bed or at least a twin bed with rails for the 2 yr old. You will need to find out things like what formula the 8mo old is on, what solid foods he/she has been eating and how much, etc. You may want to ask what the 2yr old's food preferences are as well and have that comfort food available at first. Lots of toys and books ready. Sippy cups and bottles. Diapers and wipes. A highchair.

Whew---overwhelming. I have a 22mo. old so when we took in a 15 mo. old I just ran over and got all the extras my mom had --since she had one of everything at her house too. And like I said, if we had taken the infant, I would have had supplies available through the foster association. Do you know other foster parents in your area, from your classes or otherwise, that may have items for you to use until you know about how long these children may be with you? My 15 mo old was only with me for a week while Grammy got all her paperwork in order to take over custody (while mom was in rehab) so it would have been a large waste of money to have gone out and bought alot. Luckily, he came with diapers galore and bottles and his blankie thanks to Grammy packing him a bag and taking it to DCFS (this is such a rarity).

Again, keep us posted and if I can help I certainly will.

Kim

[jigger]

If they have allowed you to visit the kids then the placement will probably happen. My son came to us via an emergency shelter. We didn't visit him there, out SW just brought him over but we did work some with the shelter staff to get information about him. They were great. Find out how your clothing allowance works. We actually got an allowance from our agency rather than from the state and it was a reimbursement situation. We bought clothes then submitted receipts and were reimbursed. Ask your SW how that works.

As for car seats, check with your car insurance company. They sometimes have deals that allow you to purchase car seats at very discounted rates. We got our son's booster for $10.

The best place to find inexpensive cribs and toddler beds are to try to get them from friends or co-workers. Everyone seems to have an extra one around and are usually willing to get rid of them.

Good Luck with your placement!!

[jae101]

They just said next week stated that they are waiting on their Medicaid (they both need shots). That is why they are allowing visits I guess. They were placed in the shelter until a foster home was found

[xxsurroundedbyxy]

jae101~
If they were just there waiting for a foster home then I would say this will definitely go through....so get prepared. Definitely find out how your clothing works. Many agencies and counties also have vouchers to buy your initial necessities like formula and diapers until WIC can get started. You will want to get on that immediately. You may can do their shot AND apply for WIC at the same appt. I know our Dept of Human Services handle both. We were given the medicaid numbers within days but it took 2 months to get the actual card. The number was all that most facilities needed anyway.

I am sure the shelter will be your best support in the beginning.

I am so excited for you! Good luck.

[jae101]

** Update ** The agency called today and stated that placement will occur tomorrow. I am excited and a little scared at the sametime. I think I have everything needed. Just need to get the formula once they give me the name. I would like to thank everyone for there input. When the CW comes tomorrow is there anything, I should except?