Safe Families for Children (SFFC) helps parents experiencing a temporary crisis by providing a loving Christian family with whom their children may stay until the crisis has passed.
Families helping Families
When a crisis strikes, many people rely on relative or friends for support but some families have no safety net. Problems such as postpartum depression or unemployment can hit suddenly and be debilitating. Children may then be at risk of neglect or abuse without some kind of support for the family in crisis.
Now, parents experiencing a temporary crisis can ask SFFC to find a Christian host family for their children (newborns through age 17) to stay with while the parents address the issues that led to their situation. There is no charge for SFFC. Volunteer Host Families are motivated by compassion and are not financially compensated.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Host Families include singles, married couples with or without children, and empty nesters who make room in their hearts and homes for children in need. SFFC volunteers can have a powerful, positive impact on the lives of others while practicing biblical hospitality, extending the love of Christ to the people in need, and sharing their faith--all from their own homes!
HOW DOES SAFE FAMILIES FOR CHILDREN WORK?
Referrals to SFFC come from a variety of sources, including schools, hospitals, state child protection agencies, churches, and social service organizations. Sometimes, parents call us directly for help, SFFC Family Coaches work quickly to contact an available Host Family.
Volunteer Host Families undergo an extensive screening process, receive training, and agree to host children at their own discretion. The average length of stay is 31 days, but it could be overnight or in some cases, one year depending on the individual circumstance. Most children who live with Host Families are 6 years or younger.
SFFC is not adoption or foster care. Parents maintain full custody of their child and are encouraged to participate in decisions regarding their child's care while they address the issues that led to the crisis.
It is important that children and parents maintain their relationship as much as possible. Parents are encouraged to remain actively involved in their children's lives during their time with a Host Family and are also encouraged to develop relationships with other families who volunteer to help in various ways through the SFFC ministry. SFFC Family Coaches and volunteers also maintain contact with the parents to encourage them on their path to stability.
SFFC has a proven record of safely and successfully helping families recover from crisis. Currently, 85% of all families served by SFFc are reunited, often in the most stable environment they have every known.
SFFC began in 2002, It has helped people in a variety of situations:
- Parents facing eviction and homelessness
- A mother who couldn't find childcare when her sudden illness required surgery
- Children whose mothers were undergoing drug rehabilitation
- A teen being rejected by her parents because of an unplanned pregnancy
Opportunities to Serve
SFFC is only successful when entire communities come together to support both the Host Family and the family being served. Volunteers are needed at every level to help provide for the needs of our children.
As a Host Family caring for a child in your home, a Family Friend standing alongside a family offering wisdom and guidance, or providing essential support through material goods, you will impact your community for good and potentially help a family chart a course to sustained health and success. You can get started today.
Volunteer opportunities in your area may include:
- Host Families
- Volunteer families willing to open their homes to children in crises and provide a safe and loving atmosphere for them on a temporary basis.
- Providing Resources
- Most children come to SFFC with very few supplies and possessions and Host Families are not reimbursed for any expenses they incur. Therefore, the donation of items including (but not limited to): diapers, formula, cribs, care seats, strollers, and clothing is essential.
- Family Friends
- Volunteers willing to provide care of children while Host Families or parents being served run an errand; befriending a parent in crisis who needs a listening ear; accompaniment to a medical appointment, or transportation. A volunteer who also becomes like a mentor to a parent in crisis.
- Mentors
- Mature Christians serving in a mentoring role to connect with the family being served; assisting with and addressing the circumstances that led to their crisis.
- Professional Services
- A comprehensive network of professionals willing to provide services on a donated or discounted rate for the support of children in crisis and/or volunteer families. Doctors, dentists, hair-care professionals, handymen, and house cleaners are just a few examples.
- Support Groups
- Groups of individuals providing prayer, encouragement, and support to Host Families and the family in crisis. Examples include play groups, coffee talks, burger night, etc.
- Family Coaches
- Volunteers who help facilitate the co-parenting relationship between the SFFC Host Parent and parent being served during a hosting arrangement. Their primary focus is ensuring the well-being of the child(ten) while coordinating communications between various agencies, Host Family, and the family being served.
Can the Host Family Adopt the Child?
The goal of the SFFC is to reunite children with their parent in a home that is more stable and healthy, in part, because of the contribution of the SFFC intervention. Currently, 85% of all families in the project come back together, often in the most stable environment they've ever known. If, however, the parent loses legal custody of their child(ten), we urge Host Families to contact a social services agency about the possibility of fostering or adopting.
This is an awesome ministry of Bethany Christian Services and I plan to bring the presenter of the program to our church and promote our church's involvement in this project. I found out today that one of our daughter churches is already greatly involved in the project and has host families already in place and are serving parents in crisis situations. I am passionate about this type of project due to my background of being an adopted child and having an adopted son. What better way for the church community to live out our faith and show our Christ-like love to our community members in crisis. I will keep you updated on the progress and look forward to learning more about the project and getting it going in our church.
