Congrats on your decision to be a foster parent. It takes a special family that is willing to open their hearts and homes to children in need.

The home study done during foster care are equivalent to those done in adoption.
When we had our adoption home study done the worker checked for a few different things.

- Cleaners, medications and other items that could be harmful must be kept locked away and out of reach.
- Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors must be up to date and functional (they must also be within so many feet of the bedrooms).
- A working fire extinguisher must be in the home and accessible in the kitchen area.
- Cleanliness is also necessary.
- Plug-in covers are needed, especially for fostering/adopting small children.
- Items that are of a suggestive sexual nature are also frowned upon. Your bedroom activities are your own, but it should not be within sight.
- An emergency escape route should be placed on the inside doors of the bedrooms. One should also be in a general area such as the kitchen.
- There must be adequate space and bedrooms for the number of children you will be fostering.
- Outside conditions matter too - trampolines, ponds or anything else that might be considered a possible danger will be discussed.

Home studies are basically common sense. As long as your home is clean and you use some general good parenting rules such as I've already mentioned you'll be fine. Try not to stress too much. Chances are if you miss something minor the worker will simply tell you how to fix the problem and allow you to pass.

A worker realizes you live in your home. A little clutter isn't a big deal and is expected. It's your parenting abilities, philosophies when it comes to parenting and discipline, criminal backgrounds and general safety that matters most.

Good luck and props for making the decision to foster a child or children.