The first night a child enters your home through foster care is a moment filled with emotion—for both you and the child. It’s a night that carries uncertainty, new beginnings, and the weight of adjustment. However, with the right preparation, you can ease those initial fears and help set the tone for healing. As a foster parent, being ready both emotionally and practically can make all the difference in helping a child feel safe, seen, and welcomed. That’s exactly why we’ve created this First Night Checklist—to guide you step by step, so you can create a calm, comforting environment and meet their immediate needs with compassion and confidence.
🛏️ Bedroom Comfort
- Clean, made bed with fresh sheets and pillow
- Extra blanket or throw
- Soft lighting (night light or lamp)
- Small stuffed animal or comfort item
- Age-appropriate book or magazine
- A welcome note or card (optional but meaningful)
🧼 Hygiene and Personal Care Kit
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hairbrush or comb
- Body wash or soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Deodorant
- Lotion
- Chapstick
- Washcloth and towel
- Feminine hygiene products (as appropriate)
- A reusable bag or toiletry pouch
👚 Clothing Basics
- Pajamas
- Socks and underwear
- Basic outfit (t-shirt, sweatpants/leggings)
- Hoodie or light jacket
🥣 Food & Kitchen
- Quick comfort meals are available
- Ask about food allergies or preferences
- Snacks they can choose or access on their own
- Water bottle or cup that’s ‘just for them’
- Notepad or sticky notes
- Plan for school enrollment
- Quiet space set up for homework
🎒 School Readiness
- School supplies (notebook, pens/pencils, folder)
- Backpack options available or plan to let them pick one out
🏠 Household Integration
- Give a tour of the home
- Show where the essentials are located
- Share your house routines
- Ask what they’d like to be called
- Explain the visitation schedule if known
- Offer appropriate choices
🧡 Emotional Safety
- Reassure them they are safe
- Let them know it’s okay to have feelings
- Avoid overwhelming with rules
- Don’t expect immediate openness
- Validate their experience
- Let them know where you’ll be in the house
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