Home Safety Checklist for Future Foster Families 

Creating a safe, secure home is a critical step for anyone preparing to become a registered or licensed foster parent. A thorough home inspection ensures a secure environment for children and also helps families pass state licensing requirements. Below you’ll find our home inspection checklist for foster care families to make passing inspection a breeze! It includes tips on identifying hazards, helps you plan necessary repairs, and helps you provide a safe, nurturing space where children can thrive.

Home Safety Checklist

Exterior & Structure

• Inspect foundation for cracks or signs of damage
• Check roof, siding, gutters, and downspouts for holes or wear
• Ensure walkways, porches, and outdoor areas are clear of debris

Entrances & Exits

• Test all doors and windows for proper function and easy access
• Ensure locks work and emergency exits are not blocked
• Verify outdoor lighting is functional

Interior & General Safety

• Remove clutter and debris to prevent trip and fall accidents
• Inspect stairs, railings, and floors for sturdiness and other hazards
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing batteries if needed
• Keep fire extinguishers in an easily accessible spot, and keep up with their regular maintenance

Kitchen & Appliances

• Test stove, oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, and other appliances for good working order
• Inspect sinks and faucets for leaks; make sure water is a safe temperature (at least 100°F – 120°F)
• Store sharp objects and cleaning products safely

Bathrooms & Laundry

• Inspect toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs for damage
• Ensure non-slip surfaces are in place and water temperatures are safe
• Verify laundry appliances are functional and accessible

Electrical & Heating/Cooling

• Check outlets for damage; avoid overloaded circuits
• Test heating and cooling systems
• Ensure all cords, appliances, and devices are in good working order

Attics, Basements & Storage Areas

• Verify easy access to all areas; remove blocked pathways
• Inspect for water damage, leaks, or pests
• Check insulation, caulking, and structural integrity

Bedrooms & Living Spaces

• Ensure windows operate safely and have screens if needed
• Check furniture stability, flooring, and cords or hazards
• Keep toys and small objects out of reach of small children

Pets & Outdoor Areas

• Ensure pets are secured, vaccinated, and do not pose a risk
• Inspect fencing, gates, and play areas for safety and security

What does “good working order” mean?

When a foster care home inspection requires items to be in good working order, it means that all appliances, fixtures, doors, windows, and systems must function as intended without posing a safety hazard. For example:

• Appliances like the dishwasher, oven, refrigerator, and laundry machines should operate normally, with no broken parts or electrical issues.
• Plumbing fixtures such as sinks, toilets, and faucets should flow properly, drain correctly, and be free of leaks.
• Doors and windows should open and close smoothly, lock securely, and not be damaged or warped.
• Heating and cooling systems should provide consistent temperature control and function safely.

Essentially, good working order ensures that the home is safe, usable, and reliable for daily living. Inspectors will look for anything that could interfere with safety, accessibility, or the child’s comfort. If an item doesn’t meet these standards, it should be repaired, replaced, or professionally serviced before the home inspection.

Introduction to Home Safety

Ensuring your home is safe is the cornerstone of foster care. A home safety checklist helps families systematically identify hazards, complete necessary repairs, and create a secure environment. Home safety is not just about passing a home inspection; it’s about protecting children from potential accidents while fostering a stable and nurturing environment.

Foster families should pay special attention to common risks such as water damage, electrical hazards, roof leaks, and blocked access points. Performing a thorough inspection ensures that all areas of your home are safe, accessible, and ready for children.

READ MORE: How to Become a Foster Parent

Conducting a Home Inspection

Start with the exterior of your house: inspect the foundation, siding, roof, and gutters for damage or water leaks. Ensure paths, windows, and doors are unobstructed and in good working order.

Inside the home, test all appliances, heating, and plumbing. Walk through each room to inspect for hazards, clutter, or blocked access. Attics, basements, and crawl spaces should be safe, clean, and easy to enter.

During inspection, don’t forget the firearm safety standards: all guns should be locked, unloaded, and stored separately from ammunition. This step is critical to meeting state requirements and protecting children in care.

Identifying Potential Hazards

• Water damage: Check ceilings, floors, and walls for leaks.
• Electrical issues: Inspect cords, outlets, and switches.
• Roof and siding damage: Look for cracks, missing shingles, or loose siding.
• Blocked exits: Ensure all doors and windows open easily.
• Pets: Ensure animals are secure and safe around children.
• Firearms: Verify all guns are safely stored and inaccessible to children.

Water damage, frayed cords, blocked access points, or damaged furniture should be repaired immediately. Examine attics, basements, and crawl spaces for leaks, pests, or debris.

Pay attention to everyday safety issues, including cluttered floors, unsecured furniture, and small objects within reach of young children. Outdoor areas should also be inspected for hazards, especially if pets or play equipment are present.

Easy Access

Clear clutter from hallways, rooms, and storage areas to guarantee easy access. Make sure doors and windows operate correctly and that appliances, laundry areas, and bathrooms are accessible. Accessible areas make inspections smoother and ensure children can safely move around the house.

Inspection Findings & Repairs

After your inspection, list all issues and prioritize repairs based on safety and urgency. Major repairs, such as fixing the roof, addressing water damage, or updating heating systems, should be completed by professionals if needed. Smaller repairs, such as replacing caulking, cleaning gutters, or repairing faucets, are also essential.

Creating a Maintenance Plan

Review your home safety checklist to ensure all potential hazards are addressed. Confirm repairs are complete and that the home is clean, organized, and safe. Double-check all appliances, heating, plumbing, doors, windows, and firearms. 

Keep the checklist updated as the home changes and children grow.

Maintaining a safe home goes beyond the initial inspection. Create a plan for ongoing maintenance, including checking gutters, appliances, plumbing, electrical systems, and structural elements regularly. Assign roles to family members to keep the home secure, and review your home safety checklist periodically.

For repairs you cannot do yourself, and for making sure things stay up to code, considering hiring or consulting a professional.

State-Specific Requirements

Requirements for foster home licensing vary by state. For example, California mandates a home study assessment including criminal record checks, safety inspections, and confirmation of bedrooms, bathrooms, and appliances in safe, working condition.

Prospective foster parents must also complete training on child safety, trauma, and resource access.

Check your state’s child welfare website for details. California’s Department of Social Services has a unified process for approving “resource families” (California DSS, Welf. & Inst. Code § 16519.5). Key requirements include:

• Understanding the needs of children in foster care and trauma-informed parenting
• Minimum pre-approval training (12 hours) and ongoing annual training
• Safe bedroom arrangements (no more than two children per room, gender-specific guidelines, infants in cribs)
• Functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Safe, clean, and sanitary conditions in bathrooms and kitchens

Home inspections evaluate the safety of the home and the suitability of caregivers. Background checks, verification of financial stability, and assessments of physical and mental health are all part of the approval process. Foster parents must demonstrate the ability to provide a family environment that promotes normal childhood experiences and safety.

For kinship placements or interjurisdictional approvals, counties follow similar home inspections and criminal record checks before children can be placed.

Conclusion

Passing a home inspection is an essential step for prospective foster parents. Using a home safety checklist foster care ensures your home is safe, secure, and ready for children. Regular inspections, maintenance, and attention to state-specific requirements will not only help you pass licensing but also create a nurturing, stable environment for children in your care.

By following this checklist, addressing hazards, and keeping your home maintained, you can provide children with the safety and comfort they need while fostering healthy growth and development.