[bettynme]

Hi all,
We are working directly with dyfs toward straight adoption. We have completed training and two home visits. March 8th we will have our individual interviews and then the wrk said she would send it and licensing will come out. Can someone give us some pointers of things we may overlook. How detailed of an inspection of the home is it. We would like to pass the first time thru. We are looking to adopt children 3-9; possible sibling group of two. Thanks. We started this process back in the fall and it seems to be taking forever.

[Tammi5143]

Licensing will usually send you a checklist once they have arranged their visit with you. But some things they will look at are:
1) fire extinguishers
2) carbon monoxide detectors (they like to see 1 on each floor, but only 1 in the home is required)
3) they will check the hot water
4) outlet covers on all electrical outlets
5) no exposed wires, etc.
6) emergency contact phone listing by phone
7) first aid kit (sold at WalMart, etc.)
8) medicine kept up and away, locked if possible.

There is so much more - but once you get the list, it will be very helpful. Make sure when you talk to them to arrange the inspection, that you ask for a checklist to be sent to you.

[pogonorms]

A first aid kit with all medicines (asprin that's in it, etc) that is not outdated. They asked my nanny if she knew where it was so make sure everyone knows.

You need an evacuation plan and meeting point in case of a fire. They asked my 4 yr old where we would meet.

Clorox wipes and the like are not to be under sinks because they say "keep away from children" on it. Lock your household cleaner cabinet if you can. (We have a baby tie on the handles.)

Plastic plugs for unused outlets.

They will flush all your toilets.

[Tisa314]

In addition to what was already written to answere your question we also had to show our auto registration, insurance, copies of our driver's licenses, shot record and license for our dog. The lady we had was really nice she told she would step outside while we corrected anything that was wrong (if minor) because they really do not want to have to come out again. We were able to correct two things. A treadmill blocking at window and the hot water temperature. We did and it was fine. From what I understand it would have been a different inspection if the child was living here already. Last September we adopted a sibling group of 2 girls, ages 7 & 8. Good Luck! Tisa

[pogonorms]

Ooo! Ooo! Ooo!

The cars a child might travel in need to be there for a visual inspection.

Nothing can be within 3' of the furnace/water heater.

[japit823]

We have our home inspection on Monday. We have had our nephews with us for over a year this time. We have to get licensed to adopt. (parents did an identified surrender) We have done our classes, our home study our interviews etc etc etc. This is the last piece of the puzzle that needs to be put in place. A previous post mentioned that it may be different if the children are already there. Just wanted to know in which way? We aren't getting licensed to be foster parents, we are doing it just to keep our nephews. All this advise is great, more would be wonderful, I am getting a bit nervous as the inspection is less than a week away.

[vernellinnj]

I agree they will let you "fix" things while they are there - I had to remove the slide lock from my front door while my inspector was at my home. You know - the kind that you can only lock from the inside - such that you can open the door and see who's outside while the "lock" is on.

She also wanted to confirm my child's health records were current - inc physicals and dentist appointments.

And, she had to see the child...mine was in daycare so she rode to the facility with me (around the corner). Said she was looking to see that the child was bonded...which she said was obvious as he screamed his head off when I had to leave!

[JJemail1]

Based on our experience, the difference between the inspection with kids versus without was that the inspector needed to check out our baby (looked at him, listened to his breathing, etc.), reviewed his immunization chart/doctor's visits, examined his crib, and looked at his dresser/checked for a sufficient amount of clothes, checked our supplies (formula, diapers, etc.) and probably more that I'm not thinking of right now.

If you have older children, I think the inspector may ask them a few questions individually.

[japit823]

The inspector told me that all of our kids have to be here for the inspection. Our kids are 16,14,13 and our nephews are 11 & 8. I know we have to discuss an evacuation plan with them and a safe meeting place outside of the house. I have my emergency phone list. I cant find my physical papers for my nephews but DYFS has copies and is supposed to bring them. I have my copy of the dental papers. I have all birth certificates, marriage certificate, pet records, drivers licenses, auto insurance, anything else I'm missing or forgetting?

[bettynme]

Thanks to all those who posted previously with advice and wisdom. We finished our PRIDE classes in Jan. We completed the homestudy visits in March. Finally licensing is coming out this friday. We hope to pass and hope they aren't too stringent. (We have a few home projects underway: fencing, finishing the attic, and general yard work.) It will be good just to know what they want adjusted so we can comply and move on through the process.