Foster parents are required to provide items that will make the child happy and secure. These items can include toys, journals or books, movie tickets, amusement parks passes, safety equipment, mental and physical health training, and stuffed animals. However, what are the most important items that you need to purchase?
Journals
A foster child’s journal is a veritable goldmine of information. This documentation can be very valuable from a legal point of view. It is useful in reporting to the Child Welfare Department or advocating for a foster parent in a court.
It also boosts a foster child’s mental well-being. A journal can help foster children’s mental well-being to withstand the stresses of foster care. Journaling a foster child’s life isn’t easy, but it can be done. Journals can be bought for as little as a dollar. They can also be used on a smartphone.
It has been proven that keeping a journal is one the most valuable things foster parents can do for their ward. It helps professionals and parents to better understand foster children’s unique needs. It gives the team an inside look at the foster home. A journal entry can be used as evidence in the event of a dispute.
Foster parents should keep a journal, but that’s not all. They should also be documenting the best practices and the most important milestones in a foster child’s development. This includes incorporating the aforementioned memorable rites of passage into a foster child’s life.
Another tidbit to keep in mind is that a foster child’s journal isn’t the only place a foster parent should be keeping track of their naughty and nicest moments.
Stuffed animals
Stuffed animals make a great gift for foster children. Stuffed animals make children feel secure and at ease. Plus, stuffed animals teach children to be nurturing and caring. Kids can also develop communication skills through playing with stuffed animals.
Consider donating gently used stuffed animals during the holiday season to a local charity. You could also donate toys that are not in good condition, but they should be cleaned following SAFE cleaning guidelines. SAFE is a good option. Toys donated by SAFE will go to Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, and other charitable organizations.
Fostering children is difficult because they are often taken from their homes and placed in new environments. Children are often exposed to many emotions and are stressed. As a result, they need some essential items to help them through the process.
Donating clothing and stuffed animals is one way to help children in foster homes. These items are often overlooked by donors, but they are essential. There are many places in the area that will take used and new stuffed animal donations.
Amy Antone, founder and CEO of Cuddles Of Hope, partnered with St. Joseph’s Hospital in Rhode Island last year. She was able to send backpacks filled full of toiletries and stuffed animals for foster children. This helped the children deal with the stress that comes with being in a new place.
Movie tickets
Most foster kids don’t get to do many of the cool things that other kids do. A movie ticket is one of our favorite gifts. It’s easy to find one. Just hop on over to Care2Foster.com and you’ll find one in the making. The website is well worth a visit for its helpful informational posts on all things foster. You will also find a few smart sexies.
One of the best parts of being a foster parent is being able to make a difference in a child’s life. Your efforts will pay off in the end, whether you’re helping them find their forever home, teaching a skill like riding a bike, or just giving them a new outlook. However, not all foster children are as fortunate as you. There are many resources and organizations that have the sole purpose of helping. So, put the best of the best to work for you and you’ll be on the road to a more prosperous future. After all, you’ll have a better idea of what your child actually wants and needs.
Training in medical and mental health
Foster parents can get medical and mental training to help them address specific issues. Foster parents should learn how to treat developmental delays, behavioral problems, trauma, and other issues. These issues are especially prevalent in foster care.
To ensure that foster children receive appropriate care, foster agencies should coordinate a strategic plan to address the medical and mental health needs of children in care. This can involve identifying and coordinating services among social service agencies, medical providers, and foster parents.
A formal assessment should be done by pediatricians for foster children. They should also assess if the child requires additional clinical care. This should be done with the help of a general pediatrician.
Children in foster care tend to be sicker and have more medical problems than other children. It can be difficult for health professionals and social workers to provide care because of their lack in history and one-on-1 adult contact.
Several states have used HOCP processes to develop innovative solutions. Missouri’s HOCP focuses on trauma-informed care. The bill protects foster youth. It also includes provisions that will enhance early intervention and integrate school-based mental health services.
Foster children may not always have access to pediatricians for mental health care. California’s study revealed that only one county provides routine mental health evaluations for all children.
Safety equipment
Foster parents must think about the safety and well-being for the children they care for. Thankfully, there are some basic rules of thumb to guide you in making the best choices for your kids. While you’re at the same time, make sure to inspect your home for potential hazards.
This is best done by researching the latest codes for child-friendly buildings in your area and listening to the professionals. You might even consider installing a nifty little alarm system that will give you peace of mind when the going gets tough.
At least one child is required to complete this task. Keep in mind that the number of foster children you’ll be caring for is a constant tad high. You’ll need to be cool and keep your cool, despite the obvious. There are many ways to do this.
In short, a healthy dose of love, time, and imagination will go a long way toward turning your foster kids into a close-knit family with the best of intentions.