Discover what happens during the first home visit for foster care certification, including home safety checks, paperwork review, and next steps.
Discover what happens during the first home visit for foster care certification, including home safety checks, paperwork review, and next steps.
The first home visit marks the second milestone in our journey together and is an exciting step forward on your path to becoming a foster parent. Rather than an inspection or test, this visit is meant to be a supportive, collaborative experience that helps build a strong foundation between your family and our team. It’s an opportunity to connect, ask questions, and take meaningful steps toward opening your home to a child in need.
During the visit, your Family Evaluation Specialist will get to know you and your household, review required paperwork, and walk through your home to discuss safety requirements. You’ll also learn more about the foster care certification process and what to expect in the weeks ahead. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, encouraged, and confident as you continue this journey.
At your first home visit, the focus is on connection—not perfection. Your Family Evaluation Specialist comes alongside you to learn about your family’s story, your motivation for fostering, and how fostering might fit into your life. Every family is different, and we value those differences.
Whether you’re a seasoned parent, an empty nester, or someone exploring foster care for the first time, we meet you exactly where you are. This visit is a chance for open conversation in a relaxed, non-judgmental setting. You’re encouraged to share your hopes, concerns, and questions as we begin building a partnership centered on supporting both you and the children you may welcome into your home.
Stop wondering if you qualify to foster. This straightforward quiz eliminates the guesswork and instantly tells you if you meet your state's basic requirements — no forms, calls, or agency visits required.
Preparing for your first home visit doesn’t need to be stressful. A little planning can help the visit go smoothly and allow more time for meaningful conversation.
Here are a few simple ways to prepare:
It’s also helpful to prepare emotionally. Reflect on why you want to foster, what you hope to offer a child, and any support you might need along the way. This visit is a conversation, and your openness helps us better support you.
During the visit, your Family Evaluation Specialist will conduct a full walk-through of your home to review safety requirements and confirm that your space meets licensing standards. The goal isn’t to have a perfect home—it’s to create a safe, welcoming environment where children can thrive.
The walk-through typically includes a review of:
If any changes are needed, your Family Evaluation Specialist will explain them clearly and help you create a plan to address them. Most requirements are straightforward and affordable, such as adding outlet covers or securing a cabinet. Mentor Foster Care also provides new Mentor foster parents with essential safety items like a lock box, first aid kit, and smoke detectors to help meet requirements from the start.
Paperwork review is also part of this visit. Your Family Evaluation Specialist will review documents such as background checks, medical forms, and references are complete. If anything is missing or needs clarification, you’ll receive clear guidance on next steps. Transparency and support are central to this process—you’ll always know what’s coming next.
After your first home visit, you’ll receive a skill development schedule outlining the next phase of the certification process. These sessions are designed to prepare you for fostering children who have experienced trauma and loss. Stay tuned for the next blog in our milestone series, where we'll dive into background checks.
Becoming a foster parent is a meaningful commitment, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. From our first conversation to final approval and beyond, we’re here to support you every step of the way as you open your home—and your heart—to a child who needs you.
To learn more about what to expect, we invite you to hear directly from Kendra Carley, Senior Family Evaluation Specialist, as she shares additional insight into the first home visit experience.
Taking the first step toward becoming a foster parent can feel overwhelming, but understanding what happens during your initial call and application...