Foster Care Home Inspection Checklist Template

Before the Youth Welfare Office places a child in a foster family, their home must be inspected to ensure a hazard-free and child-friendly environment. During such a home visit, the particular inspector must work on an extensive list of officially mandated items for a safe home for foster children.

The following foster care home inspection checklist allows social workers to go through all the items step by step. In doing so, they can also involve foster parents by immediately discussing failed inspection issues with them and planning corrective actions.

When inspectors use Lumiform’s app and desktop software, they can automatically generate a report after each home visit to share with foster parents and supervisors immediately. There is also the option to schedule follow-up appointments to review failed inspection points.

Foster Care Home Inspection Checklist

General Information

Home

Address

Social Worker's Name

Date

Check One

General

Telephone service connected, phones working properly, easily & accessible. Emergency numbers are posted within view of phone.

Well water clearance must be obtained if water is from a private source.

House appears reasonably neat and clutter free.

Windows have screens in good repair.

Windows have curtains or shades to provide privacy.

Windows are intact and open windows can be closed without difficulty.

Carpets are clean and in good repair.

Floors are clean and in good repair.

Ceilings, corners, closets, and window frames are free of dirt and cobwebs.

Electrical switches and receptacles are in good working order.

Heating is in good working order, well vented, and able to be turned off.

Heating capable of heating entire house to comfort.

Air Conditioning system is operable and in good working order.

Hot water source is large enough for household needs and area around it is clean.

Fireplaces, wood stoves and open faced heaters shall be made inaccessible to children by the use of screens or other barriers.

Hot water is between 105 and 120 degrees at the faucets.

Smoke detectors are working, properly placed, and batteries are checked regularly (every 3 months). A working smoke detector must be present in each bedroom.

Furniture is free of sharp edges and broken pieces.

All doors, doorways and screen doors, especially outside are in good repair, and can be locked from the inside.

Flashlights are readily available in case of power failure and batteries are checked regularly (every 3 months).

If firearms or other weapons are owned and stored in the house, they are stored unloaded in a locked cabinet and ammunition is stored and locked in a separate location.

All food and solid wastes shall be stored in containers with tight-fitting covers. They must be leak-proof and rodent-proof and maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

Kitchen

Lower cabinets must have safety latches if they contain anything dangerous or hazardous if children under the age of five are already in residence or are anticipated to be placed.

Home canned foods are processed in accordance with UCAES standards.

Diagram for fire drill is posted and practiced.

Refrigerator and freezer are in good condition and maintain appropriate temperatures to prevent food spoilage.

All food that has been prepared or opened (cans) is stored in airtight containers at appropriate temperatures.

Alcohol (beer, wine liquors) are stored in a locked cabinet.

Matches are stored in a place inaccessible to children.

Sharp tools such as scissors, knives, etc. are stored in a place inaccessible to children.

Counter, sinks and work areas are clean, sanitary and in good condition.

Stove/oven are free of grease and grime and operate properly.

Dishwasher (if present) is working properly at appropriate water temperature assuring sanitation.

One week supply of perishables and two weeks supply of staples/dry food on hand, and adequate space to store food. Fresh fruit, fruit juices and milk are always available.

Cooking and eating utensils are in good condition. Adequate place settings and seating in the dining area for all household members to eat together.

Sufficient kitchen area for food storage and preparation according to the family’s size.

Bedrooms

Upper tier bunk bed has railing. Children under five are occupying the lower bunk.

There are no more than two children per bedroom.

Children five years and older must share a room with a child of the same gender.

Children two years and older cannot share a room with an adult.

No room commonly used for other purposes can be used as a bedroom and a bedroom cannot be a passage way to another room. No more than one infant can be placed in the master bedroom.

Mattress & pillows are in good condition.

Clothing Inventory – A Clothing Inventory form will be completed at time of placement, termination and updated during the semi-annual and annual Home Safety Check.

Bathroom

All medicines are in a locked box, inaccessible to children

First Aid kit is complete and stored in a conveniently reachable place. First Aid kit must contain tweezers, scissors, tape, band aids, gauze, antiseptic wipes, antiseptic ointment, thermometer (non mercury), cold pack, burn care packets, first aid non stick pads, elastic bandages/ace bandages, health care gloves, first aid guide.

Bathroom facilities are working properly, are clean and sanitary.

Electrical appliances are not used or stored around sink or bathing areas.

Adequate number of towels and linens are available for all household members.

Garage

Paint, thinner, combustibles, glue and gasoline are stored and locked up.

There is an adequate number of trash containers with lids.

Old appliances not in use that are stored on the premises are kept chained shut, locked, or have the doors removed.

Garage is uncluttered. If used for storage, items are stored in a safe manner with no loose materials left lying around.

Garage is kept locked.

If washer and dryer are on the premises, they work properly and the area is free from clutter.

All chemical cleaners, disinfectants, insecticides, and other poisonous substances are stored away from food storage areas and locked up.

Power tools and equipment are stored safely and are inaccessible to children.

Vehicle(s) are operational with lights, horn and signals working.

Vehicle is able to transport all family members with seats and working seat belts for each passenger. Seat requirements for infants and children under 6 years or 60lbs are met.

Grounds

Spa, if applicable, has a lockable cover or is surrounded by a 5 foot fence with a lockable gate and is only used by children with adult supervision.

Above ground pools must have a removable ladder that is removed when the pool is not in use, or a barricade preventing access to pool.

Swimming pool at the home, condo, apartment complex or sub-division, is fenced with at least a five (5) foot high fence with a lockable gate. If a lockable cover is used, it has to support the weight of an adult. The lock is no more than 6 inches from the top of the gate. Toxic pool maintenance products are kept in locked storage. Life preservers are readily accessible and the area is kept free of glass, sharp objects and debris

Fence, if applicable, is in good condition with no broken parts, sharp edges or points.

Yard is free of debris, spare auto parts, appliances, scrap, etc. Non-operational vehicles are kept locked, repaired promptly or towed off premises.

Check children’s home file for appropriate entries. (Medications, monthly report form, clothing inventory, etc.)

Confirmation

Comments/notes for Correction Plan

Foster Parent's Signature

Social Worker's Signature

Foster Care Home Inspection Checklist Template

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