Necessary Items

[Jacqueline]

My question may seem a little bit silly! I am preparing to get certified / licensed as a foster parent in the state of Washington. My goal is to really start foster parenting after the first of the year. I am wanting to foster parent a child(ren) between the ages of zero and five, especially those with developmental or physical disabilities.

As I do not have any children of my own, I have really nothing right now. I have a family heirloom crib (it meets the requirements for the slats) and cradle. I am also able to scrounge some used family infant clothes from nieces and nephews (they were grown out of years ago). But that is about it. I was looking at toddler beds but I believe I read a regulation that the toddler bed had to have a full size twin mattress on it and I am not sure if they fit one. Unfortunately, the requirements list that I was given does not specifically list items such as toys, bottles, pacifiers, diapers, etc.

Now to my question. What should I be gathering in preperation for a foster child(ren)?

[cuzimthebaby]

Hey there, we are getting final signing and will be licensed
come monday morning. This is our 3rd time fostering, first time in another county in CA and then in North Carolin, we
were in the military.
We have the crib, play pen (bassinet attachment) a baby
swing, a few toys for different ages and car seats to take on
all sizes, infant, toddler and older child. We also have 2 twin
beds available.
We have our bottles that we like and then a few other types
of nipples (all BPA free) we also have 3 kinds of formula on
hand. No baby food yet, that will come when we get the baby.
We also have diapers in every size, just in case.
We also are taking in 0 to 4 but will go up for a sibling
group emergency placement.
Hope that helps some?

New to forum and happy to have found it!

Denise:D

[Nanna]

No question is silly, that is what this forum is for to ask questions. First of all, God Bless you for taking in special needs children. That is wonderful, especially since you don't have any children. Since the children is infant through toddler I would get infant through toddlers clothes. Yard sales, have great deal on children clothes. Most cases children that young clothes is still in good condition. You didn't say whether you were getting boys or girls or it didn't matter.Furthermore, pampers of different sizes. I wouldn't buy a whole lot. Maybe just the basic until you know more about the child age and gender. Again God bless you. We need more people like you. Maybe five years from now, I may adopt a special needs child. For now just therapeutic foster parent.

[Mrs_K]

I am a new foster mom to two boys and had nothing either. Ask your DHS or check around your area for places that are created for foster parents. I received clothing, stroller, diapers, toys and much more. Many non profit organizations ask for a simple donation. Some places even help out with food items to supplement the extra costs.