Transition Planning
Once a Support Family is chosen, there are still many tasks that must be completed to ensure a successful and smooth transition from the child’s current living situation to the Support Family’s home. It takes time and careful planning:
- to assure the Support Family is well-prepared and trained
- to help the child get ready for such a major change
- to give the child’s family or guardian an opportunity to get to know the Support Family
- to put all the necessary supports and services in place
It is critical to develop a written transition plan that details what tasks need to be completed prior to and during the move, when they need to be completed and who is responsible for completing them. Pre-placement visits between the child and Support Family should continue during this time to allow for continued relationship building and identification of supports or other issues that need to be addressed.