Foster Care Comfort Kit

Providing a foster care comfort kit can be an easy first win when welcoming a foster child into your home. See what to put in a welcome kit and find other tips for foster parents here.

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Foster Care Comfort Kit

A foster care comfort kit is a great way to show a new foster child that you’re ready to provide them with a loving home. It can be as simple as a few stuffed animals, blankets, and books, or it can be more elaborate with games, art supplies, and other activities. Either way, it’s a great way to make a foster child feel welcome and comfortable in their new home.

What is a foster care comfort kit?

A comfort kit, sometimes also called a welcome kit, is a bag filled with comfort and personal care items for children who are entering the foster care system.  Since children usually enter to foster care system unexpectedly and typically in a very hurried manner, they often leave home with little to nothing of what they may need to care for themselves or comfort themselves. 

What type of bag should be used for a comfort kit?

For children who are old enough to walk and have some understanding of what is going on, a back pack is ideal. It will give them something to carry their personal belongings in, and it will also give them a new bag for school. Sometimes, a large storage tub can be used as a welcome kit if all the items will not fit in a bag. In that case, it is always good to include a bag in the storage bin.

Why do foster children carry trash bags?

When a child is removed from his or her home, it is often done in an intense and emergent situation. If there is time to take any personal items with the child, many times those items are quickly tossed in a trash bag. This is another reason that it is so important to have a bag to give to a foster child.

Do I need a comfort kit for each foster child?

Ideally, you will have a welcome kit ready for each foster child. The only time this may not be necessary is when you have an infant placed in your home who will not know if they have their own belongings or not.

What should I pack the comfort kit?

A comfort or welcome kit should include some of the following items:

• Comfort Items
• Personal Hygiene Items
• Toys or books
• Basic clothing needs

What type of comfort items should I include in a foster care kit?

Comfort items packed in a foster care comfort kit might include stuffed animals, blankets, pillows, anything that would provide some comfort for a child. Sometimes that will even include some unexpected things like a new hoodie or comfy piece of clothing, or even a pacifier for a baby.

What type of hygiene items should I include in a foster care kit?

Many children who come into the foster care system they have no hygiene items with them. They may not even have hygiene items to bring with them. They may not even know how to use hygiene items. Here is a short list of hygiene items you might include and be prepared to teach a child how to use:

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Feminine Supplies
• Brush or comb
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Bodywash
• Bath puff

What are some other items I should include in a foster care kit?

Kids always need more than just the basics. The items they would like and enjoy and use will differ based on age and gender, but here are a few ideas to include in your comfort kit:

• Journal
• Pens
• Sweatshirt or Hoodie
• Book
• Blanket (yes, even older kids like these)
• Fidget Toy

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