Contributed by Dawn Paulson
Every family goes through a hard time at one time or another, some families face more crises than others. Is crisis keeping you from being the best parent you can be? The key to making it through a difficult time is having a support system such as family and friends. For some parents, this is not an option. Safe Families for Children seeks to help parents in crisis get back on their feet by providing short-term care for their children.
How does Safe Families for Children work?
Safe Families surrounds families in crisis with caring, compassionate community. Our family of volunteers provide a loving, temporary home for your children while you deal with your crisis. We act like extended family and care for your children for as long as you need. We work quickly to match your children with a volunteer family. Our goal is to keep your kids safe and your family intact. Once you feel like you and your home environment are stable and healthy, we’ll work with you to reunite your family right away.
Melissa was a single mom who grew up in foster care. She loved her 2-year-old son William more than anything, but struggled with balancing her job, parenting, and own mental health. When she lost her job and felt completely overwhelmed, she reached out for help. Melissa was matched with Karen and Nathen and their school aged children. Melissa got to meet the host family first and told them about William’s favorite foods and bedtime routine. William stayed with Karen and Nathan for about a month. Their kids loved William and played well together. Melissa visited William every Sunday and talked to him on the phone throughout the week. During the hosting, Melissa got a job and was able to adjust her medication and start counseling. William returned to Melissa but the relationship with Karen and Nathan continued.
A Network of Support - In addition to host families, struggling families are paired with a Family Coach and Family Friends. A Family Coach will come alongside you during crisis and walk it with you. They will help you set goals and break those goals down into steps to accomplish them. They give encouragement and support during difficult times. Family Friends help with small tasks such as transportation and meals.
Stephanie was a mom of 2-year-old twins and was pregnant. She lived outside of town, had no transportation, and had no one who could take care of her twins when she gave birth. Her OB nurse shared with her about Safe Families for Children and helped her make the call to learn more. Stephanie was matched with Larry & Cathy. Cathy was also pregnant with her 3rd child and the moms were able to bond over their pregnancy woes. Cathy and her kids met up with Stephanie and her kids a couple times for playdates before delivery day came. Stephanie was also introduced to a Family Coach, Sabrina. Sabrina would pick up Stephanie and her girls to go grocery shopping and talk about what Stephanie wanted to do with her hosting time. When delivery day came, Sabrina stepped in to help so Stephanie was not alone. Larry and Cathy hosted the twins for about a week so that Stephanie could go home, recover from delivery, and prepare to be a mom of three little girls.
A Few Important Things to Know:
- Safe Families is NOT a foster care or adoption service.
- You maintain full custody of your children and can request their return at any time.
- You will have regular visits with your children.
- Volunteer families are extensively screened with a background check, home study and references.
- Volunteers receive no compensation and serve to help others.
- Children ages 0-18 can be hosted.
- Children can be hosted for as short as a couple of days to several months
- Every attempt will be made to maintain your child’s daily routine.
- We are committed to reuniting parents and children as soon as possible.
Contact the 24-hour Helpline to learn more 907-277-0925.
Safe Families for Children is implemented by Beacon Hill. www.beaconhillak.com
