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Adoption & Foster Care

Welcoming a Foster or Adopted Child Checklist

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23 items
A gentle plan for the days before and after they arrive. This free welcoming a foster or adopted child checklist gives you a 23-item head start so nothing important slips through the cracks. it's been shaped by real families using it in real moments — the kind you don't get a second chance to prepare for. Use it as-is, or open it in Checkbloom to customise every item, share it with anyone by link (no account required on their end), and tick things off together in real time from any phone. When you're offline, changes queue and sync the moment you're back. Every Checkbloom template is free to preview and free to download as a PDF. Create a list from this template and share it with anyone by link — they can check items off in real time with no account or app download required.
You are doing something extraordinary. Every child arrives with their own story. Go gently — for them and for yourself.
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What's on the list

  • Prepare a safe calm space that is theirs
  • Have age-appropriate clothes in range of sizes
  • Stock basic toiletries and comfort items
  • Have food they might recognise from their culture
  • Prepare a small welcome item not an overwhelming pile
  • Childproof according to their age and needs
  • Learn what you can about their routines and triggers
  • Keep the world small and predictable
  • Follow their lead on affection and closeness
  • Keep routines simple and consistent
  • Let them keep any comfort object from before
  • Have important contacts ready caseworker doctor
  • Watch listen and do not rush bonding
  • Register with a doctor and dentist
  • Arrange school or daycare enrolment
  • Understand their medical history and needs
  • Keep folder of all paperwork and contacts
  • Know support worker contact details
  • Understand what support funding is available
  • Connect with other adoptive or foster families
  • Line up your own support and respite
  • Be patient with the bonding process
  • Celebrate small moments of connection

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Free to use. Share with anyone by link — no account needed on their end.

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