Two children arriving this week

[Peach123plum]

Hello. I am expecting my first two foster children to arrive this week. Only know ages one 10 months, one two and one boy and gire. This is first time, how do I prepare and how do I find out more. I know they have been know to social services for a while. Feel excited but maybe bit freaked out. Have 4 year old son, so lots of toys.

[Twopots]

You will need bottles, steriliser, double buggy, 2 cots, nappies for both children, wipes, probably full wardrobes etc etc

However if you are waiting on court I wouldn't buy anything as things can change very quickly and they may not arrive.

I would get lots of sleep now!!

[3PurpleCrocs]

I agree with Twopots, don't spend too much. I'd say 1 in 4 of the children I'm approached to take actually arrive.

Prep wise, have you been able to speak to their social worker? First questions I ask now are when and how often is contact, where do birth family live, any known health issues, any security issues.

Hope all goes well for you.

[Peach123plum]

Thanks. I am waiting court decision on Thursday. I have one cot bed and one travel cot. I single buggy. I think I manage and make do. Will they not arrive with things? I get nappies in and feeding things. I know 24 hour super market if need to use that. Have to be taxi run though as buying a car that not arrive till Saturday. I know contact is going to twice a week, phoning today for me information.

[Twopots]

Some children arrive with loads, some arrive in the clothes they are wearing which can be completely wrong size and more like rags. Do ss not provide you with cots/prams etc?

[Peach123plum]

Think SS might provide but no car to pick it up for few days. I hope they come with things, as its a planned court date, just might help them settle in.

[3PurpleCrocs]

My LA don't provide anything so be prepared incase you need to buy things. You'll definitely need car seats - is there anyone you could borrow a couple from? Contact is likely to be very soon after children are placed and you'll need to get them there.

Parents are likely to be in denial about the children actually being removed so won't be thinking about packing their belongings, or helping them settle with you. You wouldn't believe how many weeks it can take for a much loved teddy that a child sleeps with every night to finally make it's way to your house!

[Twopots]

You need to check with ss what they provide and then stock up on the other stuff, even if this placement falls through you will need it for others, just don't bother with clothes till they arrive. My first placement came straight from court ruling and had absolutely nothing. Ss had a company drop all equipment off the same day, the first contact was also same day and we did emergency asda shop for clothes - it was so hectic!

[willitbe]

Also spend a little extra time with your own 4 year old, as they are going to find it hard suddenly having to share your time. But I would not say anything about the other children coming as 1) it could all change at the last minute and 2) he doesnot need to be thinking about it worrying before it happens.

Hope it all goes smoothly for you.

[Peach123plum]

Assume not coming as plan was ringme, but wished ring me to tell me know. Don't know if get used to this.

[Twopots]

The waiting is the worst part