How to Get Your Home Ready for a Foster Care and Kinship Licensing Inspection | Seattle YMCA Foster Care

Opening your home to a child in foster care is a powerful way to make a difference. Part of the licensing process is a home inspection to ensure your space is safe and ready to meet a child’s needs. While the thought of an inspection can feel overwhelming, most requirements are common-sense safety measures. 

At the beginning of the licensing process, your Y Licensor will schedule a preliminary home inspection and meet with you and your family. During this visit, they will discuss how to prepare your home and identify any safety concerns that need to be addressed. The final home inspection takes place toward the end of the licensing process and is followed by your home study interviews. 

Here at the Y, we license families for the following three age ranges: 

• 0 to 18 years old 
• 2 to 18 years old 
• 6 to 18 years old 

Most foster families narrow their age preferences for placement once licensed, but we license broader age ranges to give families more flexibility and reduce paperwork if their preferences change later. 

Below are some general guidelines to help you prepare, whether you are pursuing foster home licensing or becoming a kinship caregiver (caring for a relative or someone you already know). View Licensing Requirements for Foster Homes <<

General / Community Foster Homes 

When you apply to become a licensed foster parent for children you do not know, the home inspection covers several areas to make sure children will be safe, cared for, and comfortable. 

Health and Safety 

• Keep your home clean, sanitary, and free of pests. 
• Store all toxic materials (cleaning supplies and chemicals) out of children’s reach. 
• Store tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol out of reach in a locked container, cabinet, or always-locked room. 
• Lock all firearms, ammunition, and other weapons in secure containers. Ammunition must be stored separately. 

Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness 

• Install and test smoke detectors on every level, in every bedroom, hallway, and play area. 
• Install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas and on every level. 
• Have at least one working 5 lb. fire extinguisher in the home. 
• Ensure every sleeping area has a safe exit (window or door) large enough for rescue. 
• If your home has multiple floors, a fire ladder is required. Make sure it fits your home’s layout. 

Bedrooms and Sleeping Arrangements 

• Each child must have their own bed with clean bedding; children may not share a bed. 
• Infants must sleep in cribs that meet safe sleep standards. 
• Pack and Plays are sufficient for respite care (less than two weeks). Bassinets are not allowed. 
• Toddlers must be in a toddler bed or use a toddler rail for safety. 
• Bedroom-sharing must follow state guidelines around age, gender, and family relationships. [Learn more here] 
• No more than four children per bedroom. 

Household Equipment 

• Ensure bathrooms, kitchen, heating, cooling, and laundry facilities are in good working order. 
• Childproof the home for the licensing ranges of 0–18 and 2–18 (gates, outlet covers, cabinet locks, etc.). 
• Keep first aid supplies stocked and accessible. 
• Store emergency food and water for all household members. 

Special Considerations 

• Pools, hot tubs, and other water hazards must be locked, fenced, or secured when not in use. 
• Fireplaces, stoves, or heating systems must have barriers if licensing for ages 0–18 or 2–18. 
• Propane equipment (heaters, outdoor fireplaces, grills) must have a propane lock or be stored in a locked shed, garage, or similar. 

Kinship Homes 

Kinship caregivers often open their homes quickly in response to a child’s immediate need for safety. Because of this, requirements may look a little different than for licensed foster homes, but the goal is the same: ensuring children are safe and cared for. 

Your Y Licensor will work closely with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to obtain any needed items to help your home meet safety standards and support placement. 

Meeting Children’s Basic Needs 

• Have essentials such as food, clothing, diapers, wipes, and formula (if needed). 
• Ensure children have access to safe drinking water, electricity, and proper heating/cooling. 
• Provide safe, sanitary spaces for pets around children. 

Home Safety 

• Ensure bathrooms and bathing facilities work properly. 
• Keep the home free of fire hazards, insects, and rodents. 
• Address site-specific risks (trampoline, pool, fire pit, etc.) with a clear supervision plan. 

Sleeping Arrangements 

• Infants under 12 months must have a safe sleep space (crib that meets safe sleep standards). 
• Children over 12 months must each have their own safe bed and bedding (unless a caseworker approves a temporary arrangement). 

Medications and Substances 

• Keep all medications (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, pet medicines) locked away or out of reach. 
• Develop a plan to prevent children from accessing alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, or other substances. 
• Firearms, if present, must be locked and inaccessible. 

Emergency Preparedness 

• Install working smoke detectors on each level and in every bedroom. 
• Install carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms and on each level. 
• Keep at least one accessible fire extinguisher. 
• Ensure every child’s sleeping area has an unblocked exit directly outside. 
• Have a reliable way to contact emergency services. 

Transportation 

• If transporting children, have the correct car seat or booster seat for their age and size. 

Final Thoughts Preparing your home for foster care or kinship home inspection does not mean creating a “perfect” space. Inspectors are not looking for spotless homes or brand-new furniture—they simply want to see that your environment is safe, nurturing, and ready to meet the needs of children. 

The process may feel detailed, but remember: these steps are here to protect both you and the children in your care. By preparing your home, you are laying the foundation for a safe, loving environment where children can heal and grow. Your Y Licensor will support you every step of the way and help troubleshoot once you are licensed.

Learn more about fostering with the Y >>