Give a child the opportunity for a family and a future.

Giving a hand to families in crisis.

Safe Families for Children™

Safe Families for Children™ is a national movement of compassion that gives hope to families in crisis. This network of host families help parents who need to temporarily place their children due to unmanageable or critical circumstances. A host family provides a loving sanctuary and serves out of a sense of compassion and love.

Safe Families is not foster care or adoption. In foster care, children are wards of the State and families receive compensation for taking children into their homes. Host families receive no compensation for caring for children, and parents voluntarily place their children with them. Children whom you host are also not believed to be victims of abuse and neglect. The goal of the Safe Families ministry is to offer support in a time of need and reunite children with their families in a stronger, more healthy home environment.

This temporary care for children in need gives parents time to establish stability in their homes. Can you open your home to a family going through a troubled time? Reach out with God’s love and compassion to embrace those who need help in your community.
 

Parents remain involved.

Parents place their child into your home voluntarily. Children are not in the custody of the State. Parents are actively involved in their children’s lives and will develop a relationship with your family. Bethany staff work with the parents during this transition to identify steps to regain stability and be reunited with their children quickly and safely.


There are many challenges parents face.

Parents voluntarily place their children into your home because of any number of challenges they are facing, such as:

  • Sudden unemployment or loss of housing.
  • Financial difficulties.
  • Postpartum depression.
  • Acute illness or hospitalization.
  • Financial instability.
  • Domestic violence.
  • Drug or alcohol addiction.
  • Incarceration of one parent.

 

Who do we serve?

At Bethany, Safe Families is available for children from birth through age 17, but most children are age 6 or younger. The average stay with a host family is 35 days. As a host family, you will be provided with training and support through Bethany.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please call toll-free 1.855.273.SAFE (7233) or contact your local Bethany office to learn more about this temporary care ministry.

Tim Nolan MSW, MPA

Michigan Safe Families for Children™ Coordinator
Bethany Christian Services
Mailing: 901 Eastern Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49501
Cell: 616.375.3361
E-mail: tnolan@bethany.org

Laura Driscoll, MAC

Safe Families for Children, Family Coach
Bethany Christian Services
Cell: 616.375.8298
E-mail: ldriscoll@bethany.org

Karen Renzema, LMSW

Program Manager
Bethany Christian Services
6687 Seeco Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
269-372-8800

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