Moving while you have foster children can be a struggle. Below, you will learn what you may need to do before, or after you move. Some of these things may not apply to your move or with your agency.

You will need to give the foster care agency that you work with, and the caseworkers for your foster children a minimum of 30 days notice of your move. The biological parents may also be made aware of your move, but they should not know where unless you want them to know. You will be given permission to move with your foster children, or they may want to find a new placement for them.

If you have foster children that will not be making the move with your family, you need to talk with your agency about arranging a new placement. You need to also let the caseworker know that the foster children will be moving to a new placement. My advice is to put it in writing by email to the children’s caseworker.

A home and fire inspection will need to be done before foster children can move into the house. A home study update will need to be done because of the move.

Provide your agency with all of your new information. Do not forget to update your plan in case of a disaster plan.

If you are moving a distance away, you will need to get copies of school information for your foster children (especially if they are in special education, or service some type of services). This will help with the transition for your foster children, and the school will not just place them in a classroom until they get their paperwork.

Look for any therapies your foster children will be in need of. It would be easier if you get copies or have yours handy that states what type of service they receive and the amount.

Arrange for respite to help during this stressful time. The moving day can be very stressful, even for the foster children. Respite while packing the moving truck could be a must.

You may want to ask your doctor for referrals for doctors in your area. Remember it could take sometime to find a doctor or dentist that takes Medicaid so do not put that off. Emergencies can happen anytime so be prepared with a doctor lined up before you move.

If the moving date changes you need to notify your agency.


Related post:

Moving While Doing Foster Care