Photo by Agung Pandit Wiguna
Fostering is a brilliant way to support a child who really needs it. If you or someone you know is about to start their foster carer journey, there will be lots of things they need to get up and running. This guide has six essential supply items that every new foster family will need.
Tips for Getting Set Up
It’s always useful to go to your foster care agency for training about how to prepare and what to expect. Lots of agencies like orangegrovefostercare.co.uk will offer lots of advice to help you prepare for your first foster child. Always check in with them if you are struggling to get your home ready to welcome a child into your home.. Here are some ideas for seven helpful products to make your life easier once your foster child has moved in.
A First Aid Kit
You will go through some first aid training so that you are prepared to provide immediate medical support if your foster child becomes injured or unwell. However, being trained is not enough! You must also acquire a decent, large-sized first aid kit to keep in an easy to grab location as well. One in the car and one in the house is even better. This should have all the basics like gauze, antiseptic wipes and cream, child-friendly medication, and plasters.
New Bedding
It is up to you whether you repurpose the bedding already in the house, but it is a nice touch to purchase some new linen specifically for your new foster child in their new bedroom. It will make them feel immediately looked after, and make sure that is completely hygienic for their sake too.
Informational Books
Books on fostering like one to help you understand attachment and trauma are great to have on the shelf for the harder times, and for improving your general practice.
School Stationery
There is a high probability that the child you’re about to look after won’t have much in the way of personal possessions. This will undoubtedly extend to the basics of school as well. They might need a set of pens, pencil case, and pencils to help them engage with the school day through this difficult time.
Clothes
Clothes are basic essentials for anyone. It can be a difficult thing to buy, especially as a child gets older and they have their own personal style to factor in. However, they may not have anything outside of one outfit with them so you will need to at least provide some clean pyjamas and underwear basics until you can go shopping together.
Food Vouchers
A foster house always needs a well-stocked fridge. It can be daunting thinking about what to buy and where to buy it, so food vouchers are a great gift for someone starting out as a foster family because they are a kind, flexible way of showing support.
Every new foster family will need some new things too. Starting a placement means welcoming a new person into your home that may not have much at all to their name. You have to give them what they need in a nurturing way.
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