Georgia Home Study Requirements: Your Complete Guide to Getting Started

Sep 10, 2025

If you're considering opening your heart and home to a child in foster care in Georgia, you're taking an incredible first step toward changing the life of a deserving child in the Peach State.

The foster parent process might feel confusing at first, but there are clear steps and people to guide you along the way. Every prospective foster parent in Georgia must go through a home study as part of meeting all the requirements to become licensed by the state.

The good news is that Georgia's home study process is designed to support you in creating a safe, healthy home to welcome a child in foster care. While there are important standards to meet, the goal is to help you provide the best possible care for children who need it most.

Tacole Robinson, a foster parent in Maryland, puts it beautifully in her story:

Whether you're just starting to explore becoming a foster parent or you're ready to begin the application process, understanding the Georgia home study requirements will help you feel more prepared to make a difference in the life of a child.

What Is a Home Study for Foster Care in Georgia?

A home study is an essential part of the process to become a licensed foster parent in Georgia. It is basically a thorough evaluation that helps the foster care organization get to know you, your home, and your family.

During the study, a caseworker will visit your home at least three times on separate days. They will want to meet your family and household members to learn about your lifestyle and relationship dynamics.

You and your partner (if you have one) will have both joint interviews and separate conversations.

The home study covers several key areas:

• Your motivation and readiness - Why do you want to become a foster parent? What experiences have prepared you for this journey?
• Your family dynamics - How does your household function? What are your parenting styles and approaches?
• Your home environment - Is your space safe and welcoming for children? Do you have room for a child in foster care to feel at home?
• Your support system - Who is available to support your journey? What community resources are available to help you succeed?
• Your background - This includes health reports, employment history, and criminal background checks everyone in the home.

The entire process typically takes several months, but remember that your caseworker wants you to succeed. They will guide you through each step and help you prepare for the rewarding experience of caring for a child who needs a safe, loving home.

Who Can Apply to Foster in Georgia?

The great news is that Georgia welcomes many different types of people and families as foster parents.

You don't need to be married, own your home, or have a certain income level. What matters most is your ability to provide a safe, nurturing environment for a child in foster care.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To become a foster parent in Georgia, you need to be an adult 25 years or older.

You can be single, married, divorced, or widowed. You can rent or own your home, live in an apartment or house, and work full or part-time.

What organizations really look for is your commitment to caring for a child in foster care and your ability to provide a stable home environment. They want to see that you have the emotional readiness, time, and resources to support a child through what can be a challenging time and transition in their life.

Criminal Background Check Requirements

Everyone in your household who is 18 or older will need to pass a criminal background check to ensure the safety of children in Georgia foster care This includes you, your partner, and any adult children or relatives living in your home.

If you've made mistakes in your past that don't automatically disqualify you as a foster parent, don't let that stop you from applying. Each situation is reviewed individually, and many people with minor offenses in their background have gone on to become excellent foster parents.

The background check process also reviews records from other states if you've lived elsewhere in the past five years. This is just to gain a complete picture of your history.

What Your Home Study Will Include

Georgia requires a thorough evaluation of your home environment, background, and family. Your caseworker will document everything in a detailed home study report.

Family Information and Interviews

Your Georgia home study must include specific information about everyone in your household. The caseworker will need names, your address and phone number, driver's license numbers, and proof of car insurance if applicable.

They'll document your family background, current relationships with immediate and extended family, education, and personal characteristics like your personality and hobbies.

For your relationship evaluation, Georgia requires verified marriage information if you're married, including the date and place. They'll assess how your relationship or domestic partnership functions and look at your family interaction patterns.

Home Safety Requirements

Georgia has very specific physical standards your home must meet to welcome a child in foster care.

Your caseworker will document if your home is maintained in a way that ensures children's health and safety, without hazards.

Physical Home Requirements in Georgia

Georgia has clear safety standards for foster homes, and your caseworker will check each one during the home study process. These aren't meant to exclude families - they're designed to keep children in foster care safe and help them feel comfortable in your home.

Safety Standards

Your home needs to meet several basic safety requirements. Every level of your home must have a working smoke alarm, and Georgia also requires carbon monoxide detectors on each level. You'll need to have first aid supplies readily available and at least one working fire extinguisher that's easy to access.

The caseworker will check that your home is kept reasonably clean, as well as free of health and safety hazards, debris, and uncontrolled pests. If you use well water or a septic system instead of public utilities, these need approval from the appropriate authorities.

Your home should have adequate heating and cooling. If you have gas heaters, they must be properly vented to avoid fire and health risks. Any unvented fuel-fired heaters need oxygen depletion safety shut-off systems.

Sleeping Arrangements for Children

Georgia has specific rules about where and how children in foster care can sleep. Only bedrooms can be used as sleeping spaces - no living rooms, basements, or other areas.

Here are the key sleeping arrangement requirements:

• No child over 1 year old can sleep in the same room as an adult
• Children over 3 years old of different sexes cannot share a bedroom
• If two children share a bed, they must be the same sex, under 5 years old, and sleep in a double bed or larger
  
• Each child's bedroom must have enough space for their clothing and personal belongings

However, this may vary depending on the type of foster care you choose.

Special Requirements

If you have a swimming pool or other body of water on your property, it must be fenced with a locked gate to prevent unsupervised access. The fencing also needs to meet all local community regulations.

Any firearms in your home must be locked away from children - no exceptions to this rule. This also applies to hazardous materials such as cleaning supplies and sharp objects. If you work with Mentor Foster Care, we provide all new foster parents with a first aid kit, a lock box, and even a fire extinguisher.

All pets living in your home need current rabies vaccinations as required by Georgia law. Your caseworker will ask for documentation showing your pets are up to date on their shots.

Want to Change a Child's Life in Georgia but Not Sure Where to Start?

Understanding Georgia's home study requirements is just the beginning of your foster care journey - and you don't have to navigate it alone.

Get the support and guidance you need every step of the way with The Beginner's Guide to Foster Care!

You'll gain a deeper understanding of foster care basics, learn strategies for connecting with children who have experienced trauma, and discover how to prepare your family for this life-changing experience.

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