Summarize your journal entries every three months in writing to inform the judge at a court review hearing, to update your caseworker, or simply to organize your own thinking about your foster child. The documented written word usually carries more weight than oral testimony alone.

NAME OF CHILD _____________________________

DATE _______________

GENERAL: Tell what has gone well with your foster child.

Tell any problems that need to be addressed.

SCHOOL: Record your foster child’s grades and behavior.

MEDICAL: Note any illnesses, injuries, or medical problems. Give dates of doctor visits.

DENTAL AND EYE CARE: List any visits to the dentist or optometrist and write of results.

COUNSELING: List visits to the therapist and tell of your foster child’s progress.

FOSTER HOME: Tell how your foster child has adjusted and gotten along in your home.

SOCIAL SKILLS: Tell how your foster child has gotten along with others his/her age.

SPECIAL INTERESTS: Note any activities or hobbies that your foster child enjoys.

VISITATION: List visits with the birth family and tell how they have gone.

CASEWORKER: Describe your relationship with the Division of Family and Children.

What issues would you like to discuss at the next case conference?

ANYTHING ELSE that you believe is important.

SIGNATURE OF FOSTER PARENT _________________

Download a PDF file containing all the relevant questions for a three-month review.