Becoming a Host Family is a unique and rewarding experience. If you are interested in opening your home to nurture a child in need, follow the simple steps outlined below to become cleared as a Safe Families for Children Host.


1. Interest Form: Click to fill-out the online interest form to begin the process of becoming a Host Family. You will be connected to a local host church or social service agency who will send you an application for your region and will walk alongside and support you as a Host Family.

2. Home Visit: As soon as we receive your completed application, we will contact you to set up a time for a home visit. This visit gives us an opportunity to get acquainted and also allow our staff to visually confirm that your home is a safe place.

3. Training: Training provides opportunities for personal growth that can help make your experience with Safe Families for Children more rewarding both for you, your family and for children who may come into your home. Safe Families for Children training is available online and takes about four hours to complete. You will receive an email with your user name and password.

4. Background Check/Fingerprinting: This varies from state-to-state. After submitting your application, someone from your local Safe Families office will contact you regarding background checks.

5. Letters of Recommendation: It is our policy to recruit Safe Families for Children volunteers whose lives reflect stable personal values and morals. Thus, volunteers need to provide three letters of reference from people who can attest to this aspect of their lives. Download Reference Form here.

Host Family Clearance: Once your clearance is complete, you will be contacted by your local Safe Family for Children partner when a child needs help.

Click here to become a Host Family
Click here to learn more about volunteer guidelines