What must I document regarding a body of water on or adjacent to the premises of a foster home?

• A. Type, location, and size only
• B. Barriers between the home and the body of water only
• C. Type, location, size, and barriers between the home and the water
• D. The existence of the water only

Answer: (C)

Documenting water hazards around a foster home requires a complete picture of both the hazard and the protections in place. You should record what kind of water body it is (pond, pool, stream, etc.), where it sits in relation to the home (on the property, adjacent, proximity to living areas), how large or deep it is (size and depth), and what barriers exist between the home and the water (fences, gates with locks, pool covers, alarms, or other safety measures). This combination gives a clear assessment of risk and shows what safeguards are in place or needed.

If you only note the type, location, and size, you miss whether there are effective protections in place. If you document barriers alone, you don’t convey the actual hazard. And noting only that water exists is too vague to inform safety planning. The full documentation—type, location, size, and barriers—provides a complete, actionable picture for safety reviews and licensing requirements.