When you have been spending the last several months going through the process of becoming qualified to foster a child in your home, it can almost feel surreal when that final approval is finally granted. You are going to be able to offer a child in need a safe and secure home where they can grow and feel at ease.
To that point, such a moment means that it is time to start taking proactive steps towards preparing your home for the arrival of your foster child. There are several things that you will need to see to in this regard in order to ensure that your new foster child will have everything that they need to settle in.
In order to properly prepare you home for a foster child, you will need to do your research and put some time and effort into things. With the right approach, you can have your home ready for your foster child in time for their arrival.
Here are just a few of the things that you should do so that you can have your home prepped and ready for your future foster child.
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Do a Deep Clean
First impressions are incredibly important when you welcome a foster child into your home. You want them to feel as comfortable as possible when they first walk inside. Doing a deep clean and clearing out excess clutter is a great step to take in this regard. A clean environment is a welcoming one, so make sure to set some time aside to get things in order before their arrival.
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Make Their Room Comfortable
Having a comfortable bedroom prepped and ready for a foster child is a crucial part of making sure that they will be able to settle in. Start by having a conversation with your foster care agency, such as FCA Scotland, to make sure that you have as much information as possible prior to preparing your child’s room.
Knowing the age of the child you are fostering is important as well. An infant will need a cot, age appropriate toys, and changing table while a teenager would require a big enough bed, entertainment such as a television, and some storage.
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Take Safety Precautions
Depending on the age of your child, you also might need to take some safety precautions as well. Making sure that all medications and cleaning products are securely stored away, covering plugs and outlets where possible, and placing dangerous kitchen utensils such as knives out of arm’s reach is important to do when the child you are fostering is a baby, toddler, or young child.
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Consider Small Gestures
When it comes to helping your new foster child feel at home sooner rather than later, the smaller details in the home can make all the difference. If you are able to find out what their favourite TV or book character is, for instance, you can get a few toys or items that they will enjoy.
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