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 that is monthly and weekly. Just using the monthly date book will not allow you enough space. I note all visits, therapies, doctor appointments, school appointments, phone calls involving a foster child, outings, and important happenings with each child (on and on and on). I am unable to do progress notes daily and some times I am unable to do them that week. So, by keep of things in my date book, I remember what and when something happened. You will not have the room to write in great detail but you can make notes that will make you remember.
Example for Johnny in December:12/1 decorate tree, 12/4 visit w bio, angry aggressive after, 12/7 speech would not follow directions, 12/11 helpful, 12/13 teacher called, cussing in class, refusing to work, etc.
As you can see you do not have to write a book just something to jog your memory. Writing “helpful” on 12/11 would remind you that Johnny was helpful doing extra chores without you asking.

Continued.........


“May God’s richest blessings be upon you both today and throughout the year-and may those blessings flow through you to touch the lives of everyone you meet.”
Gary Smalley