Children entering into foster care have usually been through plenty of trauma, not the least of which is being removed from the only family they ever knew. Sometimes, the change happens abruptly and foster families have little time to prepare for new arrivals, who often do not come with their belongings.
That's the reason local child advocates are beginning what they call the Foster Kids Closet on Wednesday " so that everything an abused or neglected child needs when they enter into care is readily available.
"When there's a need, it's immediate," said Chris Bayer, the director of Court Appointed Special Advocates. "Foster parents need to have things readily available ... when foster kids suddenly come to them, it could be in the middle of the night."
As it stands now, foster parents often find themselves running out to buy those items for the children at the last moment. That's a hardship for those families, he said, and submitting a request to the state is often a long process.
"It's not just about supporting the foster kids, it's supporting the foster parents," he said.
Bayer said they're hoping individuals, businesses and organizations will donate to the effort by "adopting a tub," which hold the belongings needed most commonly. Those items include toothpaste, soap, diapers, new clothes, school backpacks, baby blankets, bassinets and cribs. They are also seeking cash and gift card donations.
"We are looking for supporter who will help with items for kids who are in transition," Bayer said.