SAFE FAMILIES

KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER

You never know when a crisis will strike, but when it does, most families rely on friends and relatives to get them through. But not everyone has a safety net, and for those families faced with a debilitating problem like postpartum depression or unemployment that compromises their ability to care for their kids, it is devastating having nowhere to turn. SafeFamilies changes that by providing homes for kids while their parents work through their problems.

Since its launch in 2002, the Safe Families program has helped thousands of families get back on their feet without burdening the foster care system, and is rapidly becoming a national model for communities that are expanding their safety net for at-risk children. Through 4KIDS Safe Families, parents can arrange for their children to stay with a Christian family while they address the events that led to their situation.

Safe Families provides a haven and a HOPE for kids whose parents are facing a temporary crisis such as:

• Eviction and homelessness
• Hospitalization 
• Drug rehabilitation 
• Debilitating illness such as depression
• Unemployment

Safe Families is the only program of its kind and magnitude in the country, and it is making a tangible difference in keeping families together.

How 4KIDS Safe Families Works

When 4KIDS hears about a family in crisis we work quickly to locate an available Safe Family

The Safe Family agrees to the placement at their own discretion, and can put a time limit on their involvement. The average length of stay is about six weeks, but can range from two days to a year.

Biological parents maintain full custody of their child/ren and are encouraged to participate in decisions regarding their care while they address whatever issues led to their crisis.

The 4KIDS staff keeps in touch with the parents and Safe Family to determine when and if the family can be reunited. Nationally, 85% of all families in the program are reunited, and often in the most stable environment they’ve ever known. In some cases, however, the children are eventually placed with relatives or in foster care.

The 4KIDS staff is available throughout the placement for guidance and support.

Interesed in becoming a Safe Family?

Steps To Become A Safe Family

1. Complete the Safe Familes Apllication and email completed form to Cami Helm, CamiH@4KIDSofsfl.org
   Safe Families Application (pdf)
   Safe Families Application (word)
2. Complete the Safe Familes Home Study & email completed form to Edvardo Archer, EdvardoA@4KIDSofsfl.org
   Safe Families Home Study (pdf)
   Safe Families Home Study (word)
3. Have Fingerprints Taken
   This form will be provided to you after your Home Study Visit.
4. Online Trining
   All Safe Families Volunteers complete a breif online training.  The training material will be provided.