In california as a foster parent....
You must lock up EVERYTHING - I have to lock up my detergent, dish soap, meds, vitamins, knives, ect... cleaning supplies... anything that a child could drink or use to kill/harm themselves. What I did was put a lock on my garage door and I keep everything in there. The lock must be with a key. I also have a lock box (fire proof from home depot for 20$) in my bathroom, under my sink, and in the hallway. Fingernail polish, polish remover, OTC meds, razor blades are all in there.
Only need to have a fence if you have a pool.
You must get a "permission slip" from a doctor once a child is placed where the Dr. agrees that you can give the child OTC meds (like tylenol ect.) All that takes is one dr. visit, but until that's signed you aren't allowed to give meds.
Educational rights are held by one person that the court appoints - the court must change this. Most of my son's time in the system it was held by the social worker, it was held by bio mom very briefly, also by his CASA worker (volunteer guy) until my son was placed with me - I'm a teacher and they granted be those rights. So whoever has those rights gets to decide what to do with his education - although SW or court could disagree I suppose.
Fire alarm on each floor of the house (some say in each room). Fire extinguisher in the house.
There were a lot of "little things" that needed to be done as well... But I found that they are dependent on what agency you go through... Some places do a DMV check and check your driving record. Some do a car check to make sure your car is safe. Water temps are checked to not get too hot. Only certain kinds and amounts of alcohol (like 1 six-pack of beer - yuck). Some places require homeowners or renters insurance and car insurance.
Again this is in California and as a foster parent - I have the adoption home study coming up and I'm not sure how similar or different it will be... so things vary but it's just an idea
