The secret to great family vacation planning is to know your family and to be prepared, often that means emotionally and realistically. But here are few ideas to help with your foster family vacation planning if your stuck on where to begin with the process.
Keep your expectations in check. Don't day dream that the family vacation will be perfect and that the children will be angelic. That's a lot of pressure to put on a child. A child that struggles with defiance will still be defiant on vacation. A child that struggles with honesty will still struggle with telling the truth while out camping. A child that wonders off may wonder off at the Magic Kingdom. Expect chaos, but vow to have a great time anyway!
Be realistic and look for the best in the children and their behavior.
Plan for down time for the children and for you. If you're going to be gone a week to Disney World, consider Wednesday where your group will sleep-in, and see the beach instead of hitting the parks.
Notify the proper people at least two weeks or more before you travel. Be sure that you have notified and gained permission from any foster child that goes with you on vacation. Notify all workers, therapists, and judges on the case and that you travel with the proper forms. These forms allow you to use the medical card out of state.
Let the worker speak to the birth parents about your travel plans. Know that birth parents may not allow their child to travel with you. Be prepared for this disappointment.
Remember medications. If your foster child takes medication, make sure to have enough of the medication and your child's medication log with you on the trip.
Remember all contact numbers for the child. Make a copy of the child's Basic Information Sheet and Contact Numbers to bring with you on the trip, along with the child's medical card, other travel papers.
Remember that including foster children is such a wonderful experience. The children get to go and see things that they otherwise may not get to experience.
Take lots of pictures. These will make great additions to include in each child's life book and for birth family.
Allow the child to contact birth family while on the trip. If this type of contact is appropriate and has been approved prior by the social workers. Children will enjoy sharing their experiences with their parents.
Send a post card or letter if phone calls are not allowed.
Relax and try to enjoy the time with your family. Look for the joy in sharing a special event with children who have been through so much.
