Help children and families in crisis by serving as a Safe Family
What is the Safe Families program?
Safe Families is a church-based program that is comprised of a network of volunteer Christian families who will take in children from parents that may be temporarily unable to properly care for their children for a variety of reasons such as hospitalization, homelessness, drug abuse, or when a parent is remanded to a correctional institution for a period of time.
Parents place their children voluntarily and temporarily with a Safe Family so they can have the time needed to address crisis issues without fear of losing custody. As a result many Safe Families become the extended family to a parent that is experiencing a crisis and needs help.
How long do the children stay?
The children range in age from newborn infants to age 18 and may need care for just a night or two or up to a year or more depending on the circumstances. However, the average length of stay is around 45 days.
How is Safe Families different from foster care?
The Safe Families program is different from foster care in that it does not require involvement with the Florida Department of Children and Families, the state child welfare department. The parents suffering from a crisis situation voluntarily place their children with a Safe Families home and continue to maintain custody of their child.
If the biological parent should lose custody of their child, then custody of the child is transferred to the Florida Department of Children and Families for placement with a state licensed foster care family.
Why was the Safe Families program created?
In the past extended families were able to support parents experiencing a crisis by stepping in and helping to care for the children. However, these days many families are socially isolated and are far removed from a network of extended family.
Safe Families needs your help
The Safe Families program is an opportunity for Christian volunteer families show the love of Christ to children and families in need.
Requirements to become a Safe Family
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Must have lived in the community for at least six months
- Must be an active member of a local Christian church
- Must be willing to work with the child's family
- Must have supportive character references
- Must not have a criminal record (background check required)
- Must complete a basic home study program
- Must complete approximately three hours of online training