Becoming a foster parent requires energy, time and caring to take children from crisis situations and welcome them into your home. Foster parent requirements vary among states, but foster parents generally must be responsible adults with stable sources of income who can pass background and child abuse checks. Potential foster parents receive training before children are placed in their home, and they also must receive a positive home study. Homes need to meet specific requirements before foster children can live in them. Generally, a home must have safe construction and offer a healthy environment.
Adequate Space
A foster home must have enough space for each foster child to have his own bed and room for his belongings. If the foster child will be sharing a room, it must be with another child of the same sex. Different states have different space requirements. In Kansas, for example, each bedroom must have a minimum of 45 square feet to a person. Some states require that each foster child have her own dresser for storage.
Fire & Water Safety
Foster homes must have working fire safety equipment, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. The house must have adequate access to exit routes in case of a fire. Any sewage and water systems must meet the particular state's guidelines. Some states require water heaters to be kept at a maximum of 120 degrees.
Pets
Most states allow foster homes to have pets, but the pets must have all required immunizations. Pet areas should be kept clean. In addition, some states disallow certain types of pets, such as pit bulls.
Child Safety
Foster homes that will have babies must have childproofing in place. For example, a home should have gates at stairways, electrical outlets should be covered, and furnaces and radiators should be out of reach of babies and toddlers. General safety measures should be taken for children of all ages. For example, frayed extension cords should be replaced or window blind cords placed out of the way.
Medications and Chemicals
All medications and household chemicals must be locked up or stored well out of reach of children.
Outside Areas
Foster homes must have outside play areas that are free from debris or other hazards. If the foster home has a swimming pool, it must have a fence that will keep children out of the pool area. Certain toys, such as trampolines, may not be allowed.
