New...have questions

[mrsfought]

Hi. I am new here and am so excited to have found this site. My husband and I are almost done with our PRIDE classes, and are getting ready to do our home inspection. I was just wondering about some guidelines for the inspection. Are there certian things I need to know about or do? I am not sure what to be prepared for. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

God Bless

[Texas Foster Mommy]

What state are you in??

[lovemykids]

There are guidelines. Ask what they are so that you have everything ready and so that you pass the first time.

They should appreciate that you want to cross all your t's and dot all your i's so that everything is ready for the placements.

[silviayps]

I think it would be easier to answer questions if people always state where they live. Just a thought.:)

Silvia in P.S. Ca.

[AllTangled]

That would certainly help!!

[Mom11]

How different can they be from one state to another:
-enough bedrooms/beds: twin beds if children are of same sex; every one living in the house must get clearance; here in PA, the "caregiver" has to be 21 or over and also have clearance; guns must be removed from premise or locked up and innaccesible; medication locked up. That just a few of what I remember. I reside in Pa., Monroe Cty.:)

[Pink*Babies]

I'm in CA. You must have a fire extinguisher, smoke detectors with the batteries in place, a first aid kit, medicines in locked cabinets (or lock boxes), specific kinds of coverings in front of fireplaces, etc. Here, new fosterparents go through the regulations training before they get a child and before the home inspection so you have a check list to work off of. You might ask if you licensing person has such a list that you could use to get ready. Good luck!

[ThePowerMan]

Heck......here in Alabama.......alls we need is a good lectric fence, fly swatter (to keep li' ones away from the fire stove, and sumtin to eat.

Just kidding. I think the requirements are pretty much the same across the nation. I know a few states may be different about who the caregivers are but most of the other stuff is typically commonsense stuff.

[Power2FP]

Good luck!!

[CiboloTxFosterMom]

I'm in TX and our agency told us to go to our city hall or whatever (where the municipal court for the city is) and they have a Health Inspection checklist and also a Fire Inspection checklist. You can get copies of these lists and make sure you have done everything on the list before you make your appointment for the inspections. Some counties charge for the inspections; I was lucky- ours were free! (Guadalupe County)

[dkcoffey]

Lock Box for Meds - including nonprescription
First Aid
Working Fire Detectors
Fire Extinguisher
No Knives on counters or in drawers
Guns must be in 2 locks and seperate from ammo
Bed(s)
Of course running water and electricity
Working fridge