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A Foster Carer’s Guide to Welcoming First Foster Children
The wait to welcome your first foster child may fill you with excitement, anticipation, nerves, and a side of worry making you overthink every detail of your home and the process. These feelings are all perfectly normal because it shows just how much you care, which is already a great start to getting it right. If you’re here searching for some reassurance on making your first foster child feel at home, continue reading below.
Learn About Foster Child’s Background
Every child in the foster care system has a unique background and story, and knowing as much of this as possible before a new foster child arrives will help you make them feel welcome in your home. The best place to start is by contacting your agency and talking to the case worker, whether that be Orange Grove Foster Care or another reputable provider. If you can find out food requirements, routines, preferred names, medical needs and favourite activities, you’ll be off to a great start.
Use Your Preferred Name for Introductions
When a foster child arrives at your home, you most likely won’t know how long they’ll be staying. Therefore, to avoid any confusion, it’s always best to introduce yourself using your first name.
Provide Favourite Games, Toys, Books, and Films
If you were successful in finding out about your new arrival’s interests, then you can get hold of some of their favourite toys, games, films, and books to make them feel at ease. In some cases, foster children will bring toys with them from home – try and collect these ahead of their arrival to make them feel more comfortable.
Show Them Around Your Home
Even if your home is fairly small, it will feel like a complex labyrinth to most foster children, so make sure you spend time giving them a tour. Start with their bedroom and then show them where they can get a drink and go to the toilet.
Offer Something to Eat and Drink
Arrival day will likely be stressful for your new foster child, so they’ll most likely end up feeling a little hungry and thirsty. To make sure they don’t feel uncomfortable asking, you should have drinks and snacks available. While your foster child is eating, take the opportunity to discuss any other household members – but avoid going in too strong at first.
Opening your doors to your first foster child will be an emotional experience – both for you and them. To make the process feel smooth, make sure your home is inviting, warm, and tailored around their individual needs. If you take a moment to put yourself in your new foster child’s shoes, you’ll soon figure out how to make them feel welcome.
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