What happens when a foster parent gets a new placement?
Must dos:
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Take to a doctor’s appointment within 72 hours
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Schedule a psych exam
- Schedule a dentist appointment (and any additional doctor’s appointments needed)
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Schedule a dentist appointment (and any additional doctor’s appointments needed)
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Enroll in school or daycare
- Schedule caseworker visits within the first 24-48 hours
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Meet with WIC if child is under 5
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Setup visits with biological parents within the first week
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If sibling groups are not placed together, schedule sibling meetings
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Get clothing/shoes/backpack/toothbrushes/hygiene products
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Depending on the child placed and what the foster parent has at home they may need to:
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Rearrange bedrooms
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Get new bedding
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Get formula, baby food or specific food the child needs
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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.