If you have started the application or thought about becoming a foster parent in Pennsylvania, you have probably heard about the home inspection process. A home inspection is actually one part of your “home study,” where an adoption agent looks into your ability to be an adoptive parent and also makes sure you have a safe place to raise a child. Before you can legally accept a child in need into your home, you must pass this home study.
Preparing for the home inspection can be very nerve-wracking, as you have already done so much to become a foster parent and do not want to be disqualified. FCCY compiled these tips to help you prepare for the home inspection process. The most important thing to keep in mind is that home inspectors are checking for safety above all else — they are not judging the decoration, color-scheme, or curb appeal of your property!
This list is not conclusive; so, if you have any concerns about your home study or becoming a foster care parent in Pennsylvania, feel free to contact FCCY with any questions!
Have working detectors
Because the home inspector is concerned with safety above all else, they will certainly look for working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. A good rule of thumb is to have a smoke detector in every bedroom in the house. In terms of these important safety features, the more the merrier is a good rule of thumb for home inspection. Make sure you have working batteries in all of your detectors (that you check every three months) and that you have fire extinguishers accessible on every floor.
Secure Anything Dangerous
While “anything dangerous” is broad, there are a few main categories that home inspectors look for when it comes to dangerous items. Consider cleaning supplies, firearms, medicines, alcohol, sharp tools and any flammable items as dangerous. These items must not only be stored, but also locked and inaccessible to children. If you do not have one already, buy a lock or lockable cabinet for these items. You can also check a foster home safety checklist for more detailed information about what constitutes “dangerous,” but this is a good place to start.
Have Emergency Plans
If you have lived alone or with adults, you might have never considered having plans in place in the event of fire or emergency. When you become a foster parent in Pennsylvania, though, you will be expected to articulate emergency plans you have for your home, including fire escape routes. Additionally, you should post emergency numbers by a working telephone for an added layer of protection.
Practice with a Friend
Even if your home is one-hundred percent safe and ready for home inspection, going through the process can still be overwhelming. To make sure you are prepared for the questions your home inspector might ask, do a run-through with someone you trust and who knows you. This way, they might spot dangerous items you had not considered or ask you questions you had not been fully prepared to answer. Practicing, even with yourself, can eliminate these jitters and make the home inspection process more enjoyable, getting you one step closer to becoming a foster parent in Pennsylvania.
Talk to Other Foster Care Families
You could read hundreds of checklists and articles about the foster care home inspection, but nothing will prepare you more than talking to someone who has actually been through it. Get connected to other foster care families in your community to speak through how their home visit went, what questions they were asked, what they would have done differently, etc. You have resources to assist you through the process, so be sure to reach out to people as you can.
Work with a local adoption agency
You are not alone in the process of becoming a foster parent! Work with a local family-based service that knows the foster care system inside and out, including how to help you become a foster parent. Because there are more than 25,000 children in Pennsylvania living without a family member, there are family service agencies designed specifically to support foster care parents. Take advantage of these services!
FCCY supports people hoping to become foster parents in Pennsylvania. Call us today to learn more about our services!
With experienced, compassionate and dedicated professionals, we'll work with you in order to find the best solutions. Whether you know a child in need of emergency services, or you are looking to provide a home for those in need, call us today!
The mission of Family Care for Children & Youth, Inc. is to be the best social service agency committed to providing an excellent standard of care and culturally competent services while communicating compassion, empathy, and hope for the future.
OUR HAPPY FAMILIES SAY IT ALL
Check out our success stories below
"THEY CARE ABOUT THE CHILDREN AND ARE VERY THOROUGH"
My husband and I always tell people that talk to us about wanting to foster or adopt about our agency. We enjoy working with this agency because the staff not only care about the careful placement of a child but also about us as a family. Our agency is available and quick to respond to us whether we have an emergency or just a question. They care about the children and are very thorough to ensure the children and the foster family are getting what they need.
Alice Cedrone
"WE ENJOY GIVING BACK"
Fostering is very positive experience not only for ourselves but also for the child’s well-being. We enjoy giving back. Providing a loving, nurturing home to a child gives the child an opportunity to have a normal childhood as possible.
Millie Flores
"WE WOULD RECOMMEND FCCY"
Picking FCCY to work with has been the best thing my husband and I could have done. We have had only positive experiences with this agency. The case managers are so good and give you total support as a foster parent. We would recommend FCCY to others looking into foster care.
P. Kyler