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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 it up (I guess that is just what I think:) ). I also keep up with my training hours, fire drills, inspections, etc with my date book.

I fax in all my paperwork at the first of the month and then I place the originals in a four inch binder under the child’s name. I would not be surprise if there will be a time when you get a call saying, “ I do not have a medical report on the doctor visit last month.”. So instead of having to call the doctor to fill out a new report, bingo you have the original. After a couple of months, I pull the originals out of the notebook and file them away. It really depends on how long I keep the paperwork. I keep every thing a few months and then shred it. It must be shredded because this is private information. If a caseworker seems to have a lot of problems keeping up with paperwork, or if the worker tends to be a little difficult, I will keep them longer, just to cover myself.

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Please, post how you stay organized with the paperwork and any ideas you may have.

“Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children.”
Walt Disney