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Fostering

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Original poster

Newly approved at panel..

24 replies

Tanclarman123 · 27/07/2016 11:39

Hi, I'm new to Mumsnet and have just been approved at panel last week for fostering. Our ssw is away for a couple of weeks and I'm wondering.. Do we need to go and buy basic clothes etc for the age range or leave until she is back. Our preferred range is 2-13 but approved for all ages, short term, respite and emergency. Any advice gratefully received! Was also thinking how long before first placement but guess that differs all the time.

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PuppyMonkey · 27/07/2016 11:45

Hi Tan - I'm new to fostering too, high five. All I can do is tell you my experiences so far.

We were approved at the end of June and got our first call about a placement within a few days (we had to say no as we had a weekend away all planned).

Our second call was about a week later and our first placement arrived las week. She had literally suitcases and suitcases of clothes and possessions with her. It really does depend on each child what they have so I wouldn't buy loads of clothes until you know the age and what they have to bring with them otherwise it will end up v expensive for you.

We also have lots of friends and family we could borrow clothes off if necessary too...

All is going great so far btw

Good luck

Original poster

Tanclarman123 · 27/07/2016 13:56

Wow that's fab! So pleased it's working out well for you:-) what age do you do? Did you have to wait for your paperwork and meetings first.. Just thinking if ours away we may have a couple weeks grace... Today we moved all our paints etc to shelves up high in outbuilding only for shelves to give way so we now cleaning paint galore! Thank goodness happened before a child came in!

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DillyDayDream8 · 27/07/2016 22:23

I wouldn't buy anything just yet. You will get a couple of hours notice at least.
I just dashed out and bought pj's, toothbrush, tights etc when I got my first phone call.
Another placement I kept home the day after and we had a lovely day shopping and out for lunch so he had everything he needed for school.
Good luck let us know how you get on.

Cassimin · 28/07/2016 08:34

I agree, don't buy anything until your new little one arrives.
24 hour supermarkets will be your saviour. You will only need enough to get you through a night and a day then you can do some proper shopping if needed.
Also be aware that just because you get the phone call it doesn't meen that they will arrive. Anything can happen. We spent a day putting up bunk beds for our first arrivals that never materialised.

Original poster

Tanclarman123 · 28/07/2016 08:52

Thanks everyone that is so helpful... As a newbie I've read every thread I can find! We live in a rural area so need a car to get anywhere... Should I buy a car seat at least? Soz for the bombardment of questions! Did u all have to wait long for your first placement? We are LA. Xx

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Twopots · 30/07/2016 16:34

You need to speak to ss as to what they provide, ours provide all equipment ie car seats, cots, sterilisers etc don't spend until you need to, if you are doing 2-12 that's a few different seats which are expensive if not needed and you could get a 12 year old and then need to store unused car seats. Congrats on passing panel though and hope you get a phone call soon 😃

Kitsandkids · 11/08/2016 20:05

Have you had any news yet? When we were approved we got our 2 foster children 2 days after panel, but it depends on the area etc. Also, quite a lot of children are placed in care due to schools having concerns and it's the holidays at the moment so it may be that fewer children are coming into care.

We had bought 2 single beds but that was it. When we got 'the call' we rushed out and bought mattresses, bedding, toothbrushes and paste. The children arrived with one holdall between the 2, but they did have everything they needed for a few days - 2 pyjamas, 1 set of uniform, 2 t shirts, 2 trousers, quite a few socks and pants, school shoes, slippers and trainers.

My husband did go out that night and buy 2 car booster seats from a supermarket and water bottles to take to school, then the next day we got some second hand school jumpers and trousers from their school and went to Sainsburys and bought some polo shirts and some more pyjamas (one was a bed wetter so I needed a few spares). My SIL gave us loads of clothes her son had grown out of and then we added to them gradually when they needed them. The first weekend I took them to Clarks for new school shoes as their old ones were falling apart.

2 years later they're still with us and our house is filled with clothes, toys, books and all sorts of things belonging to them! Good luck, it is hard work but so, so rewarding.

Original poster

Tanclarman123 · 13/08/2016 21:34

Am still in the making the most of the rest stage! We had our paperwork through but haven't had a call from our ssw. I did email her when she got back from holiday but guess she busy. Am so appreciative of your answers as I haven't rushed out and purchased tons and have read how you may get a phone call etc but that doesn't mean they arrive, so won't rush out and buy stuff! Thanks everyone xxx

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Twopots · 19/08/2016 08:37

Any news have any little visitors arrived??

Original poster

Tanclarman123 · 19/08/2016 09:32

No! Our ssw made contact with us yesterday and is coming end of next week for meeting. We live quite rural and have just met a lady up the road when walking the dog that fosters for la. She has phone calls all the time... We are la as well so hopefully won't be too long..! Will post as soon as we hear anything, but in meantime we enjoying lazy summer holidays! Xx

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Twopots · 19/08/2016 09:44

I'm currently waiting for a call too, good luck

Original poster

Tanclarman123 · 19/08/2016 10:14

How fab! Are u new to fostering or in between placements? Good luck and would love to hear how it goes xx

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Twopots · 19/08/2016 11:01

We are currently waiting for the phone to ring, good luck

Twopots · 19/08/2016 11:03

Ha ha it didn't show posted and then when I reposted came up!!
We are in between placements, was having a break till sept but been asked to go back on register so thinking we might get a call soon

Original poster

Tanclarman123 · 02/09/2016 21:08

Hi Twopots any news yet?! We haven't... Well nothing in the summer hols and I'm going to a wedding next week so ssw said wait till after then as involves overnight stay. We were shown a few referrals but our ssw said unsuitable as were older teens ie older than my one and also they were all placement breakdowns. Good luck! X

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Twopots · 02/09/2016 22:16

I've pmed you 😀

Claramarion · 04/09/2016 22:15

I've been fostering doe five years
Buying clothes especially with older children can be a great way to break the ice and also
Gives some
Choice to children who have had choices in life taken away.

Poshsausage · 14/09/2016 20:55

I was a foster child and remember a befriender taking me clothes shopping I couldn't.believe j could choose clothes for myself and have new ones too
It's a huge thing for a child who has been neglected
Good luck all of you ant thank you :-)

Flower20166 · 10/10/2016 18:23

How is it all going?
I agree waiting with until you have the child to rush out to get essentials then you can just get more bits once they're with you :)

Original poster

Tanclarman123 · 13/10/2016 21:38

We still haven't got a placement! We are approved 0-18 and have had a couple of phone calls but both times child went to ifo to stay nearer to home for contact. We heard that we may be having a child after Christmas... we waiting to start introductions. its so quiet at mo here is anyone else quiet? Guess that's a good thing really xx

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Flower20166 · 13/10/2016 22:09

Are you with your LA or an angency?
I have a baby who is moving on in the next few weeks, but apparantly my LA has had a lot of referrals recently so I'm not sure how long I'll be empty for.
I'm approved for 0-8years.
What age is the child you may be placed with after Christmas? At least you will have time to prepare for him/her :)

Original poster

Tanclarman123 · 13/10/2016 23:04

Hi, we are with la. They are really good and keep in contact etc, it's just a waiting game. I had to stop work when approved as was in a nursery... miss the kids, but even though nursery said just stop when have child it would much ratios up etc. Child is young teen x

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Flower20166 · 14/10/2016 05:55

I worked in a nursery too! I also left to start fostering. Could you go with a supply agency and do temp work if you feel you need to in between placements? That's what I'm thinking of doing in between placements if I have a long gap just because I'm worried about how I will manage financially!
Ah you will have to keep us updated with the possible placement, good luck :) x

Original poster

Tanclarman123 · 24/11/2016 19:23

Hi guys!
Well my long term is defo coming straight after Christmas... we've been having lots of introductions etc. She is sleeping over next week and seeing her twice this weekend! We had a placement for a few weeks, an older teen who was an absolute darling and changed my mind about having older ones! I have also gone back to work as teen was at college so am doing cover work... also have been on tons courses whilst empty. Felt a fraud with the teen as it was so smooth and she was lovely! Xx

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