How to Welcome a Foster Child into Your Home

It is hard enough for a child in the foster care system to leave their home even if it was under a horrible situation and enter a stranger's home. Unfortunately, that is what you are to the child a stranger. If you are receiving an infant just showing love and nurturing will work but if the child you are welcoming is older it is a very different situation.

Considering yourself as a stranger to the child the first thing you want to do is introduce yourself. Do not be too aggressive or pushy. If the child is brought to you late at night, there are some things you can do to make them feel more comfortable.

Consider their needs. Ask them what they usually eat for breakfast. If you do not have it in your home go get it. Even if it is in the middle of the night. This will make a big impact on the child. It will show them that you are concerned about their needs. Ask them about their sleeping ritual. Do they use a nightlight? Do they have a fan running in the room or a radio on? Some children especially insecure children need the sound to go to sleep.

Make them feel at home. As stated earlier you do not want to be pushy by asking many questions. There are some things you can do to make them feel more welcomed. Show them their room where they will be staying. Let them know that they can make any changes to the room they would like (short of tearing out walls). Give them time alone in the room to unpack items they may have and arrange things. A note here about their belongings. Many children in the foster system may have their clothes and possessions in a plastic shopping bag or garbage bag. Some child placement agencies purchase children travel bags or backpacks, some do not. If the child arrives with a plastic bag, please purchase a large backpack or bag for them. Even if they are only with you for a short time it is something they can keep and feel better about themselves, their self-esteem is low enough.

Help them to feel as part of the family. There are many things you can do to help with this. Involve them in family decisions. If it is their first night at your home, ask your family what they would like for supper. Make sure your new family member has input. Many children that have been put into the foster care systems have come from very undesirable homes. They may seem confused when it comes time for dinner and everyone is seated at the table. They may have never has a meal where the whole family is seated at the table. This is though a good way to make them feel more like part of your family.