By Beth Taylor
Homelessness, financial struggles, and potential for abusive situations lead parents to Safe Families for Children, a movement that provides hope for struggling families.
Last year, Safe Families for Children of Central Indiana provided over 250 children with temporary, safe care. Through the movement, screened and approved volunteer families host children whose families are in crisis.
“Most placements last for three to four weeks, until parents are able to get back on their feet and have a safe home for their child,” said Beth Kinney, assistant director of Safe Families for Children Central Indiana and a Fishers resident.
Unlike foster care, Safe Families for Children is voluntary for a family in need. Safe Families host families receive no compensation. “Our goal is to always return children to their parents,” said Kinney.
Foster families are screened thoroughly. The multistep approval process begins with a criminal background check and fingerprinting of all occupants over 18 years of age who are living at the host family’s home. After a reference check and receipt of completed forms, the host family begins an online course before hosting a child. Parents must also sign a placement agreement, which includes a pledge that they will use the time in which their children are with a host family to re-establish a safe environment for their children.
Safe Families for Children will hold its annual fundraiser on Sept. 25. Held at The Mansion at Oak Hill, in Carmel, event highlights include both live and silent auctions, and a video featuring stories of hope from families who have been helped by the organization. The goal this year is to raise $60,000 to help provide support for the recent influx of families in need.
“We currently have over 50 host families in Fishers. We are in need of additional families that are interested in hosting children because the need continues to grow,” said Kinney.
Although monetary donations are needed, volunteers can also donate their time and talents. High priority needs include administrative support, case management, and communications.
Individual tickets for the Safe Families for Children Stories of Hope fundraiser cost $75. Tables seating eight guests are available for $600. Visit www.safe14.auction-bid.org to purchase tickets. For more information on volunteering, go to www.insafefamilies.org