Home Health Inspection Checklist for Adoption

In the United States, at any given time, there are over 100,000 children waiting for an adoptive family. States are mandated to ensure that the best interest of the child is their primary focus; therefore, prospective adoptive parents must meet certain guidelines. In addition to trainings, paperwork and interviews, prospective adoptive families must have a home inspection. It is up to each state to determine their criteria for home health inspections, but there are some general guidelines that apply in most situations.

  1. Fire Inspection

    • Prospective adoptive homes must meet fire safety codes.

      Prospective adoptive parents must have a fire inspection by the local fire marshal to ensure that their home meets fire safety codes. For homes with a second story, the fire marshal will check the size of the windows, as well as the safety. Windows must provide ample room for the firefighter and the gear on his back to enter quickly in the event of a fire. In addition, the windows can not be permanently closed. Exposed wiring and outlets will prevent a home from passing the inspection.

    Water Temperature

    • The hot water heater must be set no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent accidental scalding. The hot water heater must also be in acceptable condition, showing no signs of leakage.

    Refrigerator and Microwaves

    • The refrigerator needs to be set at 42 degrees Fahrenheit or less.

      The refrigerator and microwave is checked as well. The refrigerator, according to the specific state, must be set at a certain temperature and have no signs of leakage. The inspector will examine the condition of the refrigerator, as well as its content. The microwave is checked for leakage as well as location. It can not be placed within reach of a child.

    Pool

    • Pools pose safety issues for younger children.

      The home inspector will look at the safety of a pool, whether it's in ground or above ground. The pool must not be accessible for young children. It must have a locked fence around it or some other means of preventing a child from climbing into it. The owner must prove that the pool is safe and secure.

    Guns

    • Firearms should be stored to prevent accidents.

      Some states require that all firearms are locked in a secure area, and the ammunition securely stored in another area. Other states impose additional restrictions, such as trigger locks on all firearms, in addition to being locked in a secure area.

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