Welcome
Case
Providing foster children with a sense that they belong
How To Create A Welcome Case
1. Buy
a piece of luggage or duffle bag
2. Fill
item with the ESSENTIAL items from the list and
between 5 to 10 items from the EXTRAS list.
3. Include
a handwritten note inside to encourage the child and
remind them someone cares.
4. Place
a tag (shown below) that will inform the
Did you know...
That when a social worker arrives to
pick up a foster child to move them to a new home, they
bring a black, plastic trash bag for the child to put
his or her possessions in?
Sometimes four to five bags will
follow them around from home to home in foster care for
years. The unfortunate reality is that agencies do not
have the funding to provide alternative means like a
suitcase.
Foster care children have few
personal belongings. These kids usually own a couple
outfits, some precious photographs, and a toy or two.
When they move between families, foster kids are often
forced to carry these keepsakes in plastic trash bags or
grocery sacks slung awkwardly over their small
shoulders. This sends a powerful, unspoken message to
foster children, "You are
trash and every-thing you own is trash."
Imagine how this impacts a child
and their self esteem.
We would like to give these kids a
suitcase and something to call their own?
We know that this won't be enough but it will certainly
be a start.
What’s In The Welcome Case?
Below is a guide for a Welcome Case. Please include
everything listed under ESSENTIALS and 5-10 EXTRAS items
and great CREATIVE!
Please do not include: breakable items, aerosol cans,
mouthwash containing alcohol, razors, Swiss army knives,
medication, vitamins or violent toys
Ages 2 - 4
ESSENTIALS
Linens, Pillow, Pillow Case Blanket, Towel, Two
Non-Perishable Snacks (i.e. fruit snacks or crackers),
Flashlight (please include batteries), Socks,
Nightlight, Coloring Book and Crayons or Colored Pencils
EXTRAS
Toys :
Small Stuffed Animals, Cars, Small Doll, Harmonica,
Slinky, Etch-A-Sketch
Arts & Crafts
: Stickers, Play Dough, Bubbles
Hygiene
: Brush, Comb, Child’s Body Wash, Band-Aids
Other
: Water Bottle, Sippy Cup, Hair Accessories, Sunglasses,
Books
Ages 5 - 9
ESSENTIALS
Linens, Pillow, Pillow Case Blanket, Towel, Two
Non-Perishable Snacks (i.e. fruit snacks or crackers),
Flashlight (please include batteries), Socks,
Nightlight, Underwear, Coloring Book and Crayons or
Colored Pencils.
EXTRAS
Toys
: Small Stuffed Animals, Cars, Small Doll, Harmonica,
Slinky, Etch-A-Sketch, Yo-Yo, Lego Set, Memory Playing
Cards
Arts & Crafts
: Pens, Pencils, Pencil Sharpener, Stamps, Bead Set,
Stickers, Play Dough, Bubbles
Hygiene
: Brush, Comb, Child’s Body Wash, Band-Aids, Chapstick
Other
: Water Bottle, Hair Accessories, Sunglasses, Scrapbook,
Watch, Wallet, Purse, Books
Ages 10 - 12
ESSENTIALS
Linens, Pillow, Pillow Case Blanket, Towel, Two
Non-Perishable Snacks (i.e. fruit snacks or crackers),
Flashlight (please include batteries), Socks,
Nightlight, Underwear, Gum and Journal or Drawing Pad
EXTRAS:
Toys : Playing Cards, Paper Airplane
Kits, Etch-A-Sketch, Yo-Yo, Lego Set, Memory Playing
Cards
Arts & Crafts :
Pens, Pencils, Pencil Sharpener, Stamps, Bead Set, Mad
Lib, Word Search
Hygiene :
Brush, Comb, Body Bash, Band-Aids, Chapstick, Compact
Mirror. Nail Polish and Travel Size Toiletries
Other :
Water Bottle, Hair Accessories, Sunglasses, Scrapbook,
Watch, Wallet, Purse and Books
Ages 13 &Up
ESSENTIALS
Linens, Pillow, Pillow Case Blanket, Towel, Two
Non-Perishable Snacks (i.e. fruit snacks or crackers),
Flashlight (please include batteries), Socks,
Nightlight, Underwear, Gum and Journal or Drawing Pad
EXTRAS
Toys
: Playing Cards, Ear Phones, Books
Arts & Crafts
:
Pens,
Pencils, Pencil Sharpener, Stamps, Mad Lib, Word Search
Hygiene
: Brush, Comb, Body Wash, Band-Aids, Chapstick, Compact
Mirror. Nail Polish and Travel Size Toiletries
Other
Water Bottle, Hair Accessories, Sunglasses, Scrapbook,
Watch, Wallet, Purse, Flip Flops, Gift Card
|