Overview
The Manchester Health Department’s Environmental Health Division performs foster home health inspections as part of the State of New Hampshire foster care licensing process. While Manchester is not the licensing agency, a health inspection is required before the State issues or renews a license, and the visit is also used to review disease- and injury-prevention practices in the home.
Rules and Regulations
State licensing rules:
- NH Administrative Rules: He-C 6446 — Foster Family Care Licensing Requirements (State rules governing foster family care licensing).
Required inspection form:
- Foster Family Home Health Inspection Report (obtained through NH DCYF; Manchester completes/signs this form after inspection).
- DHHS guidance explains that if the home meets the He-C 6446 requirements, the health officer dates/signs the form, and the applicant submits it as part of the licensing packet.
When an inspection is required
A foster care home health inspection is typically needed:
- Before an initial foster family care license is issued, and/or
- For renewals/updates when required by DCYF as part of continued licensing.
(DCYF will tell you exactly when your packet requires a new inspection.)
Fees
- There is no fee for foster care inspections.
What to expect during the inspection
Foster care home inspections focus on whether the home is maintained to help prevent illness and injury, with practical education provided during the visit (hygiene, sanitation practices, general hazards).
Examples of common topics include:
- General cleanliness and sanitation
- Safe drinking water/plumbing and no sewage issues
- Safe storage of chemicals/cleaners and other hazards
- Conditions that could contribute to illness spread or injury risks
(DCYF’s form will outline the specific items required for sign-off.)