What happens when a foster parent gets a new placement?
Must dos:
Take to a doctor’s appointment within 72 hours
Schedule a psych exam
Schedule a dentist appointment (and any additional doctor’s appointments needed)
Enroll in school or daycare
Schedule caseworker visits within the first 24-48 hours
Meet with WIC if child is under 5
Setup visits with biological parents within the first week
If sibling groups are not placed together, schedule sibling meetings
Get clothing/shoes/backpack/toothbrushes/hygiene products
Depending on the child placed and what the foster parent has at home they may need to:
Rearrange bedrooms
Get new bedding
Get formula, baby food or specific food the child needs
Get toys
The first few weeks of receiving a new placement are a whirlwind. This is a great time to support and uplift foster families. Simple things like offering to run errands, taking the family a meal or helping with biological/adopted children are a great way to help. We may not all be called to foster, but we can all impact the foster community.
