The majority of children coming into foster care must wait in an office for 1-2 hours while a social worker calls to find them a suitable placement. This is usually a time of high anxiety for children as they have recently been removed from their home and are being moved to a new, unknown place
The notion of a VIP Kids Bag is a simple one. While the child is waiting, a social worker gives the child a bag of age appropriate items to occupy their time while in the office. This bag will also include a 2 day supply of clean clothes specific to their age and gender. It will also be a bag they can carry and take with them into their new foster home. Since many children enter into care with very few belongings, the psychological importance of owning nice possessions cannot be underestimated.
Below you will find a simple guide for filling your VIP Kids Bag with fun, creative, age appropriate items. Please include a 2 day supply of clothes and at least 3 of the items from the item idea list below.
Please do not include: breakable items, aerosol cans, mouthwash that has alcohol, razors, Swiss army knives, vitamins, violent toys. We do ask that any stuffed animals or anything cloth be new, and not used.
Item idea list: Coloring book, crayons, colored pencils, non-perishable snacks, toddler size toothbrush, toddler toothpaste, nightlight, socks, sippy cup, small stuffed animal, cars, small doll, plastic toys, stickers, playdough, small etch a sketch, fun Bandaids, hair accessories, small blankie, small board books, or yo-yo
Item idea list: Coloring book, crayons, notebook, colored pencils, nonperishable snacks, toothbrush, toothpaste, flashlight (please include batteries), socks, underwear, small stuffed animal, small cars, small doll, Memory playing card game, small Lego set, stickers, brush/comb, sunglasses, hair accessories, books, a watch.
Item idea list: Journal or drawing pad, teen coloring book, markers or colored pencils, nonperishable snacks, toothbrush, toothpaste, flashlight (please include batteries), socks, underwear, deck of playing cards or any card game, yoyo, paper airplane kit, small Lego set, silly putty, word search puzzle books, brush/comb, sunglasses, hair accessories, books, a watch, lotion, compact mirror, bath gel.
Item idea list: Journal or drawing pad, teen coloring book, markers or colored pencils, nonperishable snacks, toothbrush, toothpaste, flashlight (please include batteries), socks, underwear, deck of playing cards, word search puzzle books, brush/comb, sunglasses, hair accessories, books, a watch, gum, compact mirror, bath gel, feminine products in a discreet case, stick deodorant, gift card to a fast-food restaurant, or a gift card to Target or Wal Mart.
