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I also have a small accordion folder that I keep extra copies of each child’s paperwork, pictures, WIC cards, etc..

The important thing is for you to come up with a system and use it. This will make life so much easier on you.

The types of forms you will be dealing with will depend on the type of care you provide, your state requirements, agency requirements, types of services your child have, etc.. I will hit a few of then to give you an idea what you will be dealing with.

Progress notes: This will be done on each child covering their visits, appointments, activities, behaviors, medical issues, punishment, etc... This... more

Continued.............................. I also try to use different colored pens for each child (at least when my children do not take them). I also keep a pencil zipper bag secured to the front of my date book to keep my colored pens in and other supplies. The date book is the most important thing that has made a world of difference for me. This is also very helpful because I take my date book every where with me. When I get phone calls from the case worker or CASA worker asking when was Johnny’s last doctors appointment, how many times did bio parents miss visits this month, etc.. You may have already provide them with the information, but it seems to be easier to call you than look... more

You need to have some organization and a system for all the paperwork, to keep for from losing your sanity. Some things may work for you and you may come up with something that works better for you. You will have a lot of paperwork to keep up with, there is a form for almost everything.

Each foster child has their own one inch notebook with the clear cover and inside pockets. There are dividers marked: Progress Notes, Child’s Rights, Medical, School, Legal, Service Plan, Misc.. I keep a few blank copies of each one of these in the notebook, and the current ones used for that month in front of the blank ones. I keep their shot records in the front cover.

I have a date book... more

Licensing

You made it!!! You will go sign paperwork, receive your book of minimal standards and make choice of gender, age, race, and how many. At this time you can state what you would and would not like to deal with. The only thing we did not feel comfortable with, was sexual abuse or sexual acting out, this was because we had a young daughter we did not want exposed to this. Understand this does not mean this will not happen, the abuse maybe unknown until placed with you. I had two children placed with us that had been sexually abused but it was not known until they were with us. Every case and child will be different and react differently. The little girl (2 years old) was... more

The fire inspection will also fall under the home study. The fire department will do this inspection. Be sure and tell them that it is for foster care. Your home must have a fire extinguisher where it can be seen.

Smoke detectors near/outside each bedroom and on each level of your home.

Pesticides, flammable, and other dangerous stuff will need to be stored were children can not get into them. Garage high shelf, or a storage shed that can be secured so that children can not reach them.

Fireplaces need to be child proofed with glass doors, screen over opening, etc..

Rooms must have two exits, windows do count as an exit. You can not have windows blocked... more

With the health inspections your agency should give you an idea what they will be looking for. This is an area that I was personally stressed about. My house is clean, but lived in with children, and pets. I am not a neat and a cleaning freak. If something comes up like my children want to play outside on a beautiful day, I will for go my chores for later. In my mind will my children remember that the living room was always spotless, or that I spent time with them. Believe me the living room floors has always waited for me and my children’s childhood is flying by:)

Your house does not have to be perfect or spotless. It needs to be clean and tidy. Safety plugs on the electric... more

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Home Study

The thought of this can cause you great stress. It is not as bad as it sounds. A caseworker or other staff will set up a time to meet with you and your family. They will ask questions to you as a couple, and then as individuals. They will interview your children individually. They will be asking questions that may be uncomfortable for some to discuss, the questions are personal and can viewed as invasive.

Below I will give you an idea of the personal questions that may be asked. How do you feel about your sex life?

Do you feel that... more

Requirements To Be a Foster Parent

Must be at least 21 or 25 years old in some areas

Criminal background check and fingerprinting

Stable income - not dependent on reimbursements to support your family

Dependable transportation, and driver’s licenses

Have a bedroom with the required square footage

Attain the required training hours (You will have to do training annually)

Home study

Pass a health and fire inspection

Time to care for a child

CPR and first aid

Your state and agency will or may have additional requirements.

You will go through four steps to become a... more

Continuing on with the different types of foster care.

Adult Care - This is for care to adults that cannot live on their own ( mentally retarded). This should be only looked at as a long term placement. This can be a very different placement and is more case by case need to what degree of care would be. It could be a wheelchair bound person that can not in any way care for them self (will needed assistance with dressing, feeding, bathing, and may required changing diapers). It also could be a mentally retarded person that needs supervision with their daily life, you may have to teach them skills (washing dishes, laundry, helping to prepare food, money, etc) and this also could... more

Continuing on with the different types of foster care.

Also under therapeutic care falls most Mentally Retarded children or in some states they would fall under medically fragile..

Medically Fragile is a area of care that deals with children that have severe medical needs, ongoing illness and chronic condition (ex: cerebral palsy, Spinal bifida, seizures disorder, cancer, HIV, etc) This requires prolonged hospitalization, ongoing medical treatment and monitoring. These children usually take a number of different medications and have a number of devices to assist them in their life. The paperwork on this type of placement can be overwhelming. You need to be very... more