Budgeting for Introductions

[HopefullyThree]

Hello.

Can I check. Other than accommodation and food, what should we be budgeting for during introductions with our child? Am trying to plan ahead so we can avoid dipping into our savings as much as possible!

Do we pay for the accommodation and the get reimbursed for it? Or do the Local Authority book and pay for this upfront?

Many thanks.

I would get anything said about reimbursements in WRITING (email) from your SW/LA!
We were told all petrol expenses would be covered, by our SW and LO's SW. When we put in our £75 petrol receipts we were told no, it was based on mileage so we ended up getting £35.
BUT, they WOULD have paid for us to stay in a hotel for 5 nights, at a minimum cost of £100 per night?!
I challenged this after they said no to our £75 petrol receipts, that they wouldn't pay that but would pay £500+ for a hotel, and they said yes! It wasn't about the money for us, more the principle and their ridiculous logic!
So yeah, get in writing what they verbally say they'll reimburse you!

Accommodation was booked and paid for by placing LA. Nothing flash, just premier inn (but I love their beds anyway). They said they would pay for petrol (but by the mile) and main evening meals. As above poster said, get it in writing, they will probably have a pre-prepared sheet of info on expenses.

I think you can do intros on a budget easily, but remember you will probably take them out for the day a few times, so factor in entrance fees, lunch (although we did a pack up for days out), and possibly any 'treats' you may wish to get. We did pick up a few essentials like toothpaste, nappies etc. during intros as it was easy to see what the
foster carers used and replicate.

Research before intros start about places to visit in the area, parks etc. and you will be better prepared for costs...we didn't do this, so ending up paying some quite extortionate entrance fee costs!! If you know anyone with a national trust pass...maybe you could borrow it for the week?

Great advice Autumnbloom. Thank you

You can't use someone else's National Trust pass @Autumnbloom, because that's theft.

NWell what a naughty person I am. Maybe you have some advice for the OP that avoids illegal activities such as mine.

A couple of other incidentals...

We brought quite a lot of food/treats to FC's house on the longest day of intros, as she was feeding us dinner.

And we got her a present at the end (it's up to you if you want to do this, of course).

Also factor in how completely KNACKERING intros are, as are the first few weeks at home. So think about stocking up the freezer, or budgeting for whatever it is that helps you feel less tired.

@RCohle - helpful addition to a thread for someone about to go into one of the most challenging weeks of their lives. Anything constructive to add?