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 a certified Safe Family Host Family volunteer.

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

Get to know our Safe Family Community through our social network. You can ask other Safe Families questions, read personal blogs, participate in discussions and much, much more. Click here to be invited.

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 more rewarding both for you, your family and for children who may come into your home. Safe Families training is available online and takes about four hours to complete (volunteers without internet access can request a DVD version). Online training

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 and fingerprinting instructions.

5. Letters of Recommendation: It is our policy to recruit Safe Families 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.

Safe Family Certification: Once your certification is complete, you will be contacted by your local Safe Family partner when a child needs help.

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