Get Involved
Through the efforts of dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, partnering churches, and community agencies, Safe Families has been able to surround thousands of families with support.
After submitting your application return here and follow the instructions in the
Steps to Volunteering
Follow these simple steps to become a Safe Families volunteer.
Detailed Instructions can be found in the Step by Step Volunteer Guide below.
1. Apply & References
Complete a short application and submit 3 references to get started.
2. Volunteer Agreements
Review and sign the required documents to serve.
3. Background Checks
Complete required background checks.
4. Training
Learn the Safe Families model and how to best support families.
5. Interview
Meet with our team to get connected and ask questions.
6. Begin Serving
Step into your role and begin supporting families alongside a Circle of Support.
Volunteer Roles
Host Families open their homes to children in need, creating safety during crises. Hosting can transform a family’s future while giving volunteers a deeply rewarding and life-changing experience.
Be a Host Family
Host Families are part of Safe Families’ Circle of Support model and see their participation as a way of living out the compassion of Christ by caring for the hurting. With this mindset, volunteer Host Families are able to bring the healing dynamic of Christian love to children and families in crisis. They can love the children placed in their care and to embrace them as a part of their family.
Safe Families recruits, assesses, screens and approves the most competent and effective families to care for the needs of children. Host Families go through a rigorous onboarding process that includes police checks, third party references, and a home study assessment. They receive training and serve without compensation.
Once an application is submitted, a member of the local chapter staff will reach out with the next steps.
The impact that host families have in the life of a family is significant.
The Family Friend model is only successful when it is embraced by the local community. Families of all kinds are essential to providing support for vulnerable children.
Be a Family Friend
Family Friends come alongside parents to provide friendship, mentorship and encouragement. They may assist either parents or host families with:
Respite care: Providing temporary care of children for parents or to assist host families during a hosting.
Transportation: Transporting children to doctor’s appointments, school, home visits, etc.
Meal delivery: Providing a meal to a parent unable to cook or to a host family who could use extra help.
Support: Encouraging a family with prayer support during a difficult time.
Family Coaches mentor parents in crisis, and encourage Host Families and Family Friends. Their support strengthens families, and ensures children experience stability and care.
Be a Family Coach
The volunteer role of family coach is crucial to our support team, as it helps facilitate the relationship between the placing parent and the host family during a hosting. Their two primary areas of service are 1) supporting the host family and ensuring the well-being of the children in care and 2) offering mentorship and guidance to parents in meeting their goals.
Resource Friends share skills, services, or goods with families lacking essentials. By filling these gaps, they prevent crises and help parents stay strong, resilient, and connected during difficult times of need.
Be a Resource Friend
Resources for host families: Many children come into a host home with very few supplies and possessions, therefore the donation of children’s items such as clothing, diapers and formula is very helpful.
Resources for parents: At times parents need the support of material resources to help them during their time of crisis. Items such as gas or food gift cards and clothing are much needed donations.
We keep a list of resource friends whom we notify when a particular need arises.
Our Model of Support
The Circle of Support Model is unique to Safe Families for Children, bringing together entire communities to surround vulnerable children and isolated families with relational and resource support dedicated to keeping parents supported, children safe, and families together. We believe there is a role for everyone to get involved!
Our Model is:
- Prevention-Focused
- Community-Driven
- Relationship-Centered
- Professionally-Supported
- Volunteer-Engaged
- Evidence-Based
- Family-First Approved
Hear From Our Volunteers
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HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Get answers to questions you may have before contacting us. Visit our FAQs for answers to some common inquiries.