The way a child looks on the outside plays a significant role in how he or she feels on the inside. As a foster parent, you have a responsibility to help your foster child look and feel his or her best!

A child should always be dressed in clean clothing representative of his or her age, size, gender, and occasion. During the placement process, you will collaborate with your case manager to determine your foster child’s clothing needs. When appropriate, your case manager will authorize funds for initial or annual clothing purchases. Before making any out-of-pocket clothing expenditures for the child, always obtain approval from your case manager. Receipts are required for all clothing reimbursements.

• Initial clothing may be purchased within six months of a child’s first placement into care. A child moving between foster homes is expected to bring his or her wardrobe to the new foster home
• An annual clothing allowance is provided to replenish a child’s clothing while in care and may not be purchased within the same calendar year he or she enters care. The best time to use a child’s clothing allowance is at the beginning of the school year, whenever possible
• Replacement clothing may be purchased to replace worn or outgrown items with a portion of the per diem allocated for this purpose. Please check with your case manager for specifics
• Special clothing includes clothing not considered part of the child’s daily wardrobe. This includes scouting or organized sporting uniforms, graduation caps and gowns, costumes for school plays, etc. These purchases require special funds and must be pre-approved by your case manager prior to purchase

A child’s clothing is considered a part of his or her personal belongings and should move with the child. Clothing that he or she has clearly outgrown and is in good condition may be saved for other children coming into your home. This decision should be made in agreement with the child, as he or she may prefer to keep an article of clothing that holds sentimental value.

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