During the placement, you and the case manager will determine the adequacy of your child’s wardrobe. When appropriate, the case manager will authorize you to purchase initial or annual clothing. Always obtain approval from the child’s case manager prior to making out-of-pocket clothing purchases. Receipts, as defined by the county, are required for reimbursement. 

• Initial Clothing: Clothing which may be bought within six months of a child’s first placement in foster care. A child who moves from one foster home to another is expected to take his wardrobe with him. The maximum allowable amount for initial clothing is determined by State policy. 

• Annual Clothing: Clothing which may be bought to replenish a child’s wardrobe. Annual clothing may not be purchased in the same calendar year in which a child enters care. A child entering care in the year 1999 is not eligible for annual clothing allowance until January 1, 2000. The ideal time to utilize the annual clothing allowance is at the beginning of the school year, if applicable. 

• Replacement Clothing: Items of clothing that replace worn an outgrown articles may be purchased with portions of the per diem which are allocated for this purpose. Your case manager may assist you in locating resources to replace items of clothing in the child’s wardrobe that are no longer serviceable. 

• Special Clothing: Items of clothing that are not considered to be a part of the normal, day-to-day wardrobe. Special clothing includes Scout uniforms, cheerleader costumes, graduation caps and gowns, costumes for plays, etc. As the availability of funds for special clothing is dependent upon the County DFCS budget, approval from the case manager is required before purchase. 

A child’s clothing is included among his personal belongings and should be taken with him when he is moved to another placement. Clothing that the child has clearly outgrown, but is in good repair, may be saved for other children coming into your home. This, of course, should be done with the agreement of older (school age – or younger for children who are more mature) children who may want to hold on to an item of clothing that has sentimental value.

Children should be dressed in clean, serviceable clothing that is appropriate for their size, age, gender and the occasion. Any exception to this would be at the child’s request. Nothing shatters a child’s self esteem more than being teased by his peers because he is inappropriately dressed. Children who may have few positive attributes in their favor would benefit greatly from the attention you give to their personal appearance. Talk with the child’s Case Manager about any unusual clothing circumstances.

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