Space Saving Tips for Foster Care Bedroom

Do you want to be a foster parent, but you are afraid you do not have room for a foster child? Use the tips to maximize your foster care bedroom space, even in a small home or apartment.

Whether you are planning a gender neutral foster care bedroom or a shared bedroom for siblings, these space saving ideas will have you ready for your home study in no time. #blessedsimplicity #fostercare #adoption #fosterparenting #fostercarebedroom foster care bedroom ideas | foster care bedroom tips | foster care bedroom teens | infant | toddler |

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The need for foster homes is growing all across the US. Many families want to provide foster care, but feel they do not have room in their homes for a foster child. If this is true, there are many ways to support foster parents and foster children.

However, there are also other ways to make room in your home to be a foster parent, even if you have a small home?

Do I need an extra bedroom to foster?

It is recommended that a foster child have their own room for reasons of privacy. However, in most cases they can share a room with other children, but not with adults. There are always cases where safety demands that a particular child must room alone.

Can a foster child sleep on the couch?

There are requirements for foster care bedrooms. One of those requirements is that the child have an actual bed, a place to store clothes and a door to shut for privacy in changing. This would preclude them from being expected to sleep on a couch.

You can find a full post about Foster Care Bedroom Requirements here.

Can a foster child share a room with another child?

Most of the time, unless there is a safety concern, a foster child can be allowed to share a bedroom with another child of the same sex as long as each child has a bed and a place to store their personal belongings in that room.

Many states have a maximum number of children that are allowed to share a room. In Tennessee, that number is 3, unless you are able to obtain a waiver or permission because you have an extraordinarily large room or some other exceptional situation.

Can siblings share a room in foster care?

Siblings can usually share a room in foster care until a set age. In most cases, children of the opposite sex may share a room if they are under an age specified by the state (usually around 6 years old).

Can a foster child share a room with my child?

Yes. Though it is recommended that children have a separate room if possible for privacy, children (siblings or not) can share a room in foster care unless there is some specific safety concern or other guideline that would prevent it.

Can a foster baby sleep in my room?

Yes. In fact those of my children who were adopted from the foster care system, were adopted as babies and slept in my room. Most states will allow children to share a room with foster parents until they are two years old.

How many kids in a foster care bedroom?

During the foster care home study, your home will be approved for a specific number of children. Though the rules vary by state, Sometimes, saving space tricks can make a smaller room in a smaller home work for a foster child.

How can I save space in a foster care bedroom?

Use Bunk Beds

Bunk beds are a classic space saving piece in smaller bedrooms where more than one child must sleep. Triple bunk beds can be used to maximize space for three children.

Trundle Beds

Trundle beds are another beding space saver. Check with the foster agency in your state to see if trundle beds are allowed. When they are, it is typically for siblings who have previously shared a bed or a similar situation.

Under Bed Storage

The space under a bed is prime storage space. Using this space for storage of clothes and personal items eliminates the need for additional storage furniture that would take up floor space.

High Storage Space

There are lots of ceiling nets, corner shelves and other storage solutions that do not take up additional storage space. I like to use ceiling nets for stuffed animals. I also use them under bunk beds for storage of personal items.

Other Space Saving Ideas

Use an office or bonus room space as a family closet for all the clothes and use the closet for extra bedroom space.
Turn other rooms in your home like a bonus room or office into a larger bedrooms.