Before or after panel to start getting things ready?

[1Mumwhowingsit]

Hi. We are nearing the end of our assessment and go to panel early next year. Is it a bad idea to start getting the bedroom ready for future foster child? Or is this something most do after going to panel incase they don’t get approved? Thank you x

[Cassimin]

We had the bedroom ready before we went to panel.
We decorated it plain with neutral bedding and curtains.
As you don’t know what age or gender you will be looking after it should appeal to everyone.
When our fc arrived and we knew he would be staying a while we decorated it to suit him.
One social worker told us one of her boys had been with carers for years and still had floral bedding and curtains.

[JacobMalloy02]

I would certainly agree with Cassimin. Neutral colours to start with as you will not know the gender of the child or how long they will stay. You may also be placed with a child quite quick after panel, so you do not want additional pressure in regard to how the room looks.

A couple of other points to consider in regard for preparation. Always have spare toiletries available as well, so I always advise when you see things on sale, pick them up - simple things like toothbrushes, child having their own flannel, towel or smellies!

New teddies go down well for newly placed child - a good ice breaker!

All the best for panel in the New Year!

[Knittedfairies]

Definitely decorate before you go to panel, and I second having toothbrushes etc at the ready. My neighbour fosters; I’ve been called on a few times as a sitter while she goes to a local 24 hour supermarket for pjs at short notice too.

[1Mumwhowingsit]

Thank you everyone for your advice. I’m starting to get very excited and a little bit impatient so great to know that it wouldn’t be silly to slowly start preparing for after panel. I was just worried we would do all this and buy some bits and then not get approved! Hopefully this won’t happen though :)

[Grandadwasthatyou]

Plus you would know long before panel if there was something that would prevent you from being approved.