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Holidaying with your foster children

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With Summer fast approaching (or at least a couple days of hot weather we’re holding onto), your attention might turn to the Summer holidays and more importantly, where to jet off with your foster children. Whether it’s a cottage holiday in York or a sunny beach break abroad, holidays are a great way to do something special with your family. However, as a foster carer, you will have to be mindful of a couple of things before you start packing your suitcase.

If you’ve already got a holiday with your foster children in sight, we’ve rounded up our top tips and advice for holidaying this Summer – from the need to know information to safety. When working with an independent fostering agency like Fostering Dimensions, our support is non-stop.

 

The need to knows

It goes without saying that the safety of your foster children is at the utmost importance at all times when it comes to planning a holiday and safeguarding measures mean you’ll need consent for them to travel with you. To ensure your holiday goes as smoothly as possible, we’ve listed a few things you need to consider when holidaying with your foster children.

  • Speak to your fostering agency: Before you start planning and organisation your trip, ask your agency about your plans. Independent fostering agencies like us will be able to advise you and give you all of the information you need on any restrictions or permissions you may need.
  • Consider whether you need to contact their birth family: In some instances, you may need to seek permission from their biological family. Again, your agency can assist with this.
  • Fill out the appropriate paperwork, if needed: Your agency can guide you with any official documents, but you may need to think about whether your foster children need to apply for a passport or attain a Visa.
  • Consider accommodation carefully: Depending on the circumstances, a separate room may be needed so they have their own space, just like they do in your home. Your supervising social worker can advise on this, but it’s something worth considering when planning holidays, trips or camping expeditions.

Packing the essentials

If you’re new to fostering in Nottingham, you may not be used to travelling with your foster children, so knowing what and what not to pack can be tricky. The basics start with clothing, toiletries, entertainment in the form of books and toys if needed and snacks. Don’t forget child-appropriate clothing including swimwear, sun protection, sun hats and sunglasses as well as snacks and water.

In some instances due to personal needs, you may need medicine or other measures in place to ensure a smooth journey. If you need to, speak to your fostering agency for a full extensive list of what you may need.

Useful tips when travelling with your foster children

Before and above anything, the safety of your foster children is paramount. Choose the perfect location and accommodation before you set off or book anything. When you arrive at your accommodation, you could set a meeting point that’s distinctive in case it is needed. You can never be too safe so a useful tip is to carry a set of details including numbers and accommodation addresses so your foster children have them on them at all times. Make sure their rooms are safe and appropriate – some children may be small and young enough to fall through gaps in the balcony so it’s definitely worth checking things like this over when you arrive.

This article is by no means a full extensive list of everything you need to consider, but it most definitely puts you in the right direction. If you have any questions or need some extra advice, please get in contact today.