What is the Home Inspection Like for Foster Care in Arizona?

In a recent article about foster care in Arizona, we talked about the strict requirements involved for a person to even become a foster parent. As Scottsdale family law attorneys, we get a lot of questions and concerns about foster parents after a child has been removed from the home in Arizona. We’d like to explain a little more about how a foster parent’s home is checked by the state to assure your child’s safety.

Arizona Foster Parent Home Inspection

The potential foster parent’s home will be physically inspected for basic safety:

• The home is clean and generally safe.
• There are smoke detectors in the bedrooms and an approved fire extinguisher available.
• Medications, toxic cleaning supplies, etc. are safely locked away and out of reach.
• The home has accessible exits.
• Food is stored properly and handled safely.
• Any bodies of water, including pools, are fenced off.

Arizona Foster Parent “Home Study”

In addition to the safety inspection, potential foster parents must go through a “home study” that will take a closer look at the suitability of the social environment and people in the home. This process usually means a series of personal interviews and inspections, and it generally takes about 3 months.

If your children were removed from the home in Arizona, speak with one of our skilled and compassionate Phoenix family law attorneys at 1-888-929-5292 today. In the meantime, take a few minutes to request a free copy of our helpful book for families, Arizona Family Law – How to Handle Tough Issues in Tough Times.