You’ll first need to fill out an application. Once it’s approved, we will schedule a time to visit you in your home to walk through the screening, home safety assessment and training process, as well as address any questions you may have.

Host families undergo a screening and home safety assessment process similar to that in foster home licensing, minus some forms and financial paperwork. There is a reassessment process every two years to ensure the family members and home are still in good standing.

No. Host families voluntarily open their homes as a way of demonstrating the Biblical model of ‘Radical Hospitality,’ the first of our Three Foundational Principles: ‘We welcome strangers into our homes and our lives to find hope, rest, and healing. We work to create space, maintain a welcoming stance especially with strangers.’ (Eph 2:12-13, 19; 1 Peter 4:9; Hebrews 13:2; Romans 12:13)

The time range varies depending on each situation, but the average timeframe is three to six weeks.

A COS is a group of vetted volunteers that surround the placing parent and child(ren) and the host family caring for them. They help provide for additional needs as they arise, whether physical, spiritual, emotional, or tangible.

The Host Family are vetted volunteers who care for the children inside their home. Resource Friends provide tangible goods such as meals, clothing, car seats, and so forth. Family Friends provide their time, whether through transportation, babysitting, visiting, or a listening ear. A Family Coach oversees the hosting and keeps everyone encouraged and on task.

Yes! In addition to the ‘hands on’ roles, there are ‘Indirect Support Volunteers’ who work behind the scenes within the church, at events, etc. If you are willing to give your time and talents, we will happily put you to work. The first step is to fill out an application!

Placing parents may be dealing with big or small problems, but without a support network to lean on, they can quickly escalate into an unmanageable or dangerous situation.Some examples include job loss, homelessness, medical emergency, incarceration, and loss of daycare.

Yes. There are situations where – based on parent report, referral information, or observation – a referral can be refused. Conditions for exclusion might include excessively violent behavior, or a parent being coerced to work with Safe Families.

We are thankful for the generous support of area churches, businesses, and individuals for our annual budget, which is currently $350,000.

Safe Families churches support Safe Families by advocating for families at risk, recruiting volunteers, raising awareness for the ministry, and offering financial support as an official outreach or missions ministry partner. They also appoint a dedicated ‘Ministry Lead’ who will facilitate and grow Safe Families activity in their church.

Support the cause of Safe Families by regularly praying for us. Raise awareness for the ministry by sharing our posts on your website and social media profiles. Incorporate a Safe Families presentation into your church service on Safe Families Sunday. Encourage your congregation to volunteer: small groups make the best Circles of Support because they have a more intimate relationship and gather regularly.