#Collaborative post
A family holiday can be a positive life-changing experience for a foster child, who may not have had such luxuries in the past. However, taking a foster child on holiday isn’t as straightforward as making a booking, packing your bags, and having a blast. To help you navigate foster child holidays safely and within the boundaries of the law, we’ve put together the following four tips.
Understand the Laws and Regulations
Before taking a foster child on holiday, you have to make sure you abide by any laws and regulations. These may change depending on your location and foster child, so always double-check with a reputable agency like orangegrovefostercare.co.uk. However, as a general rule, you should keep the following in mind:
- You always need permission before taking a foster child on holiday. A holiday may not be suitable for all foster children, so it’s essential to gain permission before making any payments.
- Follow all safety precautions. Foster children are your responsibility, so make sure you have appropriate safety measures in place including supervision and emergency plans.
- Provide an itinerary to your foster agency. If your holiday gets approval, your foster agency may need a copy of your itinerary, including details of your accommodation
Learn About Your Foster Children’s Interests
When you take a foster child on holiday, it’s important to keep in mind that the experience is designed to facilitate their growth and development. Instead of booking a holiday that you know you will enjoy, it’s essential to find out what your foster child enjoys. You can do this by engaging in conversation, observing them during free time, and talking with their teachers and friends.
Prepare Your Foster Children for Going on Holiday
Some foster children may not have been on a holiday before, so you’ll need to prepare them for the experience. Doing this will help tackle potential anxieties and get them excited about the trip. Here are a few suggestions for doing this effectively:
- Show pictures of the destinationhttps://www.verywellfamily.com/strategies-to-help-an-anxious-child-4177327
- Outline the rules for the trip
- Help them pack a bag
- Make sure they know you’re not going anywhere
- Welcome any questions they may have
Be Patient and Flexible
As with all aspects of foster care, you need to be prepared for the unexpected, which means practising patience and flexibility. For example, your foster child may begin to feel homesick and overwhelmed or they may not be interested in planned activities. In these cases, we recommend the following:
- Take breaks. If your foster child is feeling overwhelmed, find somewhere quiet and take a much-needed break.
- Have a backup plan. When plans go awry or emergencies occur, have a plan of action in place. This may include contacting the agency or relying on friends and family.
- Focus on the child’s needs. Leave your own expectations and plans behind – the foster child’s needs must come first.
- Be willing to alter plans. If your foster child clearly isn’t enjoying activities, be prepared with other plans.
A family holiday can be rewarding for you and your foster children. By following the tips above, you’ll abide by the law and make sure everyone stays safe.