Foster home inspection

Adoptive parents offer loving and safe environments for children who cannot live with their birth parents, whether for abuse or neglect, death, abandonment, or a host of other reasons. Each state has its own certification requirements for foster parents and training, and a home inspection is generally part of the foster-parent certification process. Potential homes should be inspected using a checklist to ensure the environment is safe and appropriate for children.

General safety

More Foster House inspection lists include general security items. Inspectors Make sure the home is generally clean and sanitary, and that can be dangerous are inaccessible to children. This includes cleaning supplies and other toxic substances, firearms and alcohol. Inspectors ensure that blind strings are kept out of reach and plugs are blocked when necessary. Shelter homes must have adequate lighting, ventilation and laundry facilities. Water must be from an approved source, and wastewater needs to be discharged into a private public or septic sewer system. If the potential home has a pool or hot tub, they must meet state safety standards, and a monitoring plan must be in place.

Furniture and equipment

Host homes must have adequate furniture and equipment to look after children. This usually includes having age appropriate furniture such as cribs or highchairs, toys or activities. Children need to have their own beds and enough space in their bedrooms for safety and comfort. Inspectors will make sure that the child’s bedroom has access to the common areas of the house and that there is a clear way out in case of fire.

Fire safety

Foster home inspectors pay close attention to the fire safety of potential substitute’s homes. The home page should have smoke detectors working and in some states, carbon monoxide detectors. The foster family generally needs a fire evacuation plan and must conduct fire drills regularly. The inspector Make sure there are no visible fires and confirm that there are adequate exits and access for rescue in case of fire.

Vehicle safety

Encouraging family vehicles are usually also included in the inspection checklist. The vehicle must be in good condition and suitable for safely transporting the number of children. All vehicle seat belts must work.