How To Make a Respite Foster Care Packet

Use a gallon sized zip lock baggy. Write your foster child's name on masking tape or a mailing label and place on the outside of the baggy. This will become your foster child's respite packet.

Create a respite packet for each foster child in your home, or one for each sibling set.

Type or clearly write a list of needed information, or feel free to print this handy worksheet. The list should include the child's full name, birth date, foster home name and numbers, the social worker's name and number, Dr.'s contact information, as well as an emergency contact number for where you can be reached during the respite period. Fill out a separate respite foster care worksheet for each foster child.

All of this information is included in the respite foster care worksheet.

Include in the packet the daily schedule, fears, likes and dislikes of the child. This is especially helpful for babies and toddlers. Make sure to note any allergies, and of course, any appointments scheduled during this respite period, especially visits with birth parents.

All of this information is included in the respite foster care worksheet.

The packet should also include the child's state medical card and 'consent to treat' paperwork. Write out instructions for any medication, and include a medication log so the respite provider can document when medication was given. It's also helpful to add a copy of the child's latest physical.

Place the completed worksheets and all of the above mentioned documents inside the labeled baggy.

When it's time for the child to leave for the respite foster home, you will only have to add medication to the packet and the child is ready to go.

This packet also comes in handy when going to doctor or dental visits as all needed paperwork is ready.