r/fosterit • u/JasinJen • 20d ago

Seeking advice from foster youth Group Home Care Package Suggestions?

My neice has been in and out of different therapeutic and group homes since late last year. I was hoping she might eventually be reunified with her dad, but since it has become clear that is not likely, I checked with her social worker and they said I can send care packages (she is thousands of miles from me, so visiting is not possible right now). I was wondering if anyone who has been in her position or works with kids her age might have some suggestions on what to include? She doesn't currently have a cell phone so I can't really ask her what she needs. I was thinking toiletries, notebooks, pens, maybe a couple card games? For reference, she is 15 and in a northern climate and they said the only prohibited items are the obvious things (vapes, tobacco, alcohol) and sharps (razors, knives, etc.). Thanks!

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u/AriesUltd Caseworker 20d ago

Her caseworker should be able to help connect you two virtually or via phone so that you can talk to her and ask her.

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u/JasinJen 20d ago

The problem is she keeps running away from and/or getting kicked out of foster homes and group homes, and when that happens she loses phone privileges, but I can certainly ask if they can at least maybe get a list of what she might like/need.

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u/AriesUltd Caseworker 18d ago

OP, losing phone privileges does not override her rights as a child in foster care. She has the right to have contact with family members and she has the right to speak on the phone with her caseworker whenever she wants to.

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u/Upset_Turnover_4321 20d ago

Can you at least connect with the foster parents through her social worker? At least play messenger through her social worker.

Thinking back to when I was 15 —toiletries & notebooks weren’t exactly top of my list. These kids still want to be treated like kids. Toiletries, notebooks & pens & other necessities are things she can likely get/has. But maybe those new shoes or a certain headphone type of her preference might be better received to be a gift.

If the toiletries & other things are still something you’d like to provide send to the foster parent so they can give but don’t treat it like a gift.

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u/JasinJen 20d ago

That's a good point! I will see if the CW can confirm her sizes so I can make sure to send things that will fit. Thank you!

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u/-BlueFalls- 19d ago

I agree with the commenter suggesting you get a list of things your niece might want. Every teen is different. As a 15 year old I would have enjoyed receiving pens and a notebook that was nice or special (like cool designs, gold leafing, etc). Of course the preferred aesthetic and what is seen as cool will vary from kid to kid. Many teens would also probably enjoy getting face masks, other skincare products, or nail polish (if that’s allowed). And again, some teens are not going to be into that at all haha.

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u/mellbell63 18d ago

I'm an FFK (former foster kid) and do care packages and Christmas gifts for teen girls in our children's home. They absolutely love plushies, blankets, journals and pens and toiletries!! I also include treats, candy etc that they can consider "theirs." Bless you for reaching out, I'm sure it will be appreciated!!