Questions for foster parents?

Question

i am going to orientation sat. and training foloowing for 5 hrs. ... i know they do a home evaluation afterwards and wondered what exactly they check for? should i make my home baby proof if i am wanting to foster babies...etc........and shoul di make it spotless??? waht ar ethey gonna do? will they rumage threw my drawers and personal things???

Answer 1

They do a basic walk through of your house. They sometimes will look at closet space in the child's room. They will also check for your fire detectors and that you have a properly graded fire extinguisher. In our state, they also checked for lead paint and checked our water--for lead levels and the water heater to make sure it wasn't above 120 degrees. The windows in your child's room must be so big, so in the event of a fire that could be used as an escape route....though I don't know if they will have the same exact requirements for your state that they had with mine. Just tidy up, no need to make it look spotless.

Answer 2

No, they shouldn't go through your personal space.  They will ask you some questions, ask for some references...etc.  We baby proofed our house as we asked for children 5 and under.  I wouldn't make it look spotless, make it look lived in.  Don't have a lot of clutter laying around / make sure you have bed's set up and a place for them to stay.  

Answer 3

Read the booklet that they gave you.  It will tell you the specifications.  In your bathroom, you can't have any poisons, including things like deodorant, hairspray, etc, in reach of a child, and in a lockable cabinet.  

In your garage, things like paint, spray paint, oils, and any other poisons must be in a locked cabinet.

In your laundry room area, all poisons, detergents, etc, and all cleaning supplies must be locked, same for the kitchen.  In addition to all these, any medications you have must be locked up in a cabinet.

Answer 4

Sounds like we're going through the same things.  I havent got orientation set up yet but that is next.  The main thing I read that I need to change is my hot water tank setting.  The other stuff all seemed petty, but for that i have to crawl to the back of our coat closet. I'd rather do that before they get here than while they are here LOL!  You will do fine, but spotless seems overboard, just relax, you are doing the right thing!