Can I Travel with a Foster Child?
You may have family members who live out of state that you like to visit on holidays. Maybe you have wondered, "Can I take a foster child on vacation with my family?" The short answer is yes; you can travel with a foster child. However, there are many things to consider when you bring foster kids on a trip.
What are the rules if I want to travel with a foster child?
The rules are different depending on where you live, where you're traveling, and the requirements of your child placing agency. In Texas, DFPS has a handy resource guide to help provide some guidance. It is best to contact your CPS and agency case workers at least thirty days before any planned travel. You will need to provide the contact information for where you can be reached while on your trip, where you will be staying, and a general itinerary. The child's school, visitation, and medical schedule will be considered before travel is approved. Caseworkers want to ensure that all appointments are kept. Some events, like non-emergency doctor visits, may be possible to reschedule, while other appointments may not be so easily changed. Family visitations and court appearances are more challenging to reschedule. If a foster child has an engagement that cannot be rescheduled during the time of your planned travel dates, CPS most likely won't approve for your foster child to travel with you.
What should I do if my foster child is not allowed to travel?
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you may be able to find a time when they are allowed to travel. If a foster child cannot travel with you, you can request that your child be allowed to stay with your previously approved provider while you are away. It is essential to have several friends or relatives approved through your agency to provide respite care so that you have a backup plan if travel is not approved for your foster child.
What are some tips for traveling with a foster child?
Make sure to address their physical needs first. Nobody is at their best when they are cold or hungry. Pack plenty of healthy snacks, and let children know that they can have them when they need them.
Make sure they have their bag. The items in their bag will differ depending on their age. Let them keep things precious to them close, like their favorite blanket or stuffed animal. This will help them feel less anxious.
Talk with them about what to expect. Travel is a new experience for many foster children. Schedules and routines have a calming effect on children with a history of trauma, and traveling unavoidably disrupts their normal routine. Discussing plans beforehand lets children know what to expect, so they don't worry. You can't always plan for everything when you travel, but you should have an itinerary. Be sure to share it with your foster children. Young children may benefit from a pictograph with pictures that illustrate activities. They can peel off each image after you complete that activity.
Plan extra time for everything, and introduce new people and places slowly. Airports, long car rides, and new people can overwhelm anyone. Observe foster children in new situations to ensure they are not showing signs of distress. You may need to take breaks away from family or activities to give them a chance to relax.
Give foster children a voice. Let children help you plan your trip. They might not be able to choose the destination, but maybe they can choose some of the activities once you get there. Children can also help pack their bags. Then, when you are on the trip, give them small choices about what they want to do or where they might like to eat.
Traveling with foster children is possible, but it's necessary to be flexible and plan ahead. Be extra mindful of your foster child's needs while away from home to help minimize feelings of anxiety that may come up. Take plenty of time to rest and introduce new situations slowly. But most importantly, be ready to make special memories that will last a lifetime!