What are the required physical aspects of my home?
The home should be clean, adequately furnished, in good repair, free from health and fire hazards and comply with local fire ordinances. A foster home must be equipped with a smoke detector on each level, a fire extinguisher, a working telephone and a first aid kit. All firearms, ammunition, medication, and hazardous chemicals (cleaning supplies) must be kept locked in storage. Children in foster care may share a bedroom with another child of the same sex and compatible age; however, a separate bed must be provided for each child. An individual’s room must have 80 square feet (8′ x 10′). If children share a bedroom, they must each have 60 square feet (120 sq. ft. for two children or 10′ x 12′). Office of Licensing will send you a complete list of requirements after your initial application has been submitted.
