Vol. 3, No. 1 • Fall 1998
Do You Have the Information You Need? A Checklist
A checklist of the things you should know when a child is placed in your home
At a recent foster care and adoption training, a group of North Carolina�s child welfare social workers were asked to list the information foster parents needed in order to do their jobs well. The things they suggested are listed below, along with a few spaces to add items of your own. Keep this list handy!
- Names. The child�s full name and any nicknames he or she might use, as well as the names of the child�s parents, relatives, and siblings.
- Agency Contact Information. DSS worker name, contact information, and suggestions as to when to contact them.
- An explanation of why the child was removed from the birth parents and a description of how the child has been disciplined or hurt.
- Expected length of stay.
- How long child has been away from birth family.
- Medical information�history, medications, clinical diagnoses.
- School information.
- An assessment of the child�s language skills and ability to communicate needs.
- Religious and cultural beliefs/expectations.
- Description of any behavior problems the child may have.
- Information about the child�s involvement with school, metal health, doctors, etc.
- Interests, skills, activities.
- Favorite and hated foods.
- Sleeping and eating schedules.
- Fears (e.g., of dogs) and pet peeves.
- Clothing and dressing preferences/needs.
- Visitation schedule.
- Information about appointments and court reviews.
- Transportation issues�how will the child get where he or she needs to go?
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Copyright � 2000 Jordan Institute for Families