What Do I Do When a Child I’m Fostering Gets Sick?

We know that all children get sick from time to time. But if a child you’re fostering gets sick, you may need to take a few extra steps to care for them properly. It’s important to remember that any protocol for children who have documented Special Health Care Needs must be followed per your state’s guidelines (like this one in the state of Tennessee). For all others, below is a guide to help you meet your foster child’s immediate and long-term needs when they get sick. 

Assess the Situation

As with any child, the first step in managing the medical needs of a child you’re fostering is to assess the severity of their illness. For minor issues like a common cold or mild fever, you may be able to handle the situation at home with rest, fluids and over-the-counter remedies like acetaminophen. 

If there are more severe symptoms, such as high fever, persistent pain or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention promptly. In many cases you may call the child’s pediatrician’s office or visit an urgent care clinic.

For emergencies like extreme fevers (104+), severe pain or allergic reactions, visit the nearest emergency room immediately. Remember that most children in foster care have Medicaid, so you don’t have to hesitate to provide care due to cost.

Contact Your Caseworker

Always remember that your child’s caseworker is a valuable resource. It’s a good idea to notify them about your foster child’s illness in any case, but it is especially necessary in an emergency situation. They can provide guidance on any specific protocols or additional support services available. They should also be able to inform you of any requirements or documentation needed to keep all health-related paperwork updated. 

At Omni Family of Services, we encourage our foster parents to call the child’s caseworker to sign for any medical treatment or give verbal permission over the phone. Occasionally, if a parent signs for treatment, a bill may be sent to them by mistake, which can be time-consuming to sort out. When emergency treatment is needed, we require that foster parents contact the child’s caseworker immediately to notify them. 

Access Medical Care & Follow Medical Advice Carefully

Most children in foster care qualify for Medicaid coverage, which ensures they have access to necessary medical care including doctor visits, medications, hospitalizations, and vaccinations. This means you do not have to worry about paying for medical care out-of-pocket, so do not delay in getting the appropriate care. (Even in cases where a child is not on Medicaid, the state is still responsible for their medical needs.)

It’s important to keep a record of all medical visits, treatments, and medications administered to maintain a clear history of the child’s health. It’s also in your foster child’s best interests to document any side effects or concerns and to communicate those back to the healthcare provider so that that information is in their chart. 

Documenting Treatment

Typically, all medical visits and treatments require that healthcare confirmation forms be filled out by the provider, and the foster parent is to then give those forms to the child’s caseworker for documentation purposes. 

As with any regular medications the child takes, temporary medication for treatment also must be documented and turned in to the caseworker. Any missed or refused doses should be reported immediately, as there are requirements around missed dosing. (For instance, if a child misses more than three doses they have to be assessed by a doctor before restarting the medication.) If a youth in your care is refusing to take the medication, talk to the child’s caseworker for the specific protocol to follow. 

Communicate with School or Daycare

If your child attends school or daycare, inform them about the illness and provide any necessary medical documentation like a doctor’s excuse. Schools and daycare centers often have policies regarding when a child can return after being sick. Keeping them informed helps manage the child’s needs and ensures a smooth transition back to their regular routine.

Provide Comfort and Care

Providing emotional support and comfort is just as important as seeking medical help when your child is sick. Try to think of ways to help them feel reassured and comfortable. You may even ask them what their birth parents or family has done for them when they are sick in the past. What makes them feel cared for? Consider spending extra time with them or offering a little treat to help make it clear how much you care about them. A little extra TLC can go a long way in helping a child recover. 

Get More Support with Omni When Your Foster Child is Sick

The role of a foster parent is vital in helping children in foster care navigate the road back to health when they’re sick. The good news is, you don’t have to do it alone. 

At Omni Family of Services, we provide comprehensive training programs designed to prepare foster parents for the challenges and rewards of fostering – including how to care for your foster children when they are ill. Our training includes interactive workshops, online modules, and hands-on learning experiences. Foster parents also have access to continuing education to help them stay updated on the latest in child welfare and trauma-informed care.

If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent, Omni is here to equip and support you every step of the way. Learn more about how to become a foster parent with us here.