Be a Family Coach

Help Families Thrive

You can play a vital role in Safe Families for Children (Safe Families) by volunteering as a Family Coach to help parents in crisis get back on their feet.

As a Family Coach, you will:

Support the Host Family. This ensures that families get the support and resources they need to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children.
Monitor children’s safety. Because safety is a top priority, the Family Coach begins assessing safety within 48 hours of a child moving in with the Host Family—and each week for at least a month.
Provide a family in need with resources, such as community referrals and assistance in making their appointments.
Facilitate the relationship between the Host Family and the Family in need with compassion and empathy.

You will also:

Listen to Host Families and Families in need. The Family Coach provides space for them to express their thoughts and concerns.
Manage expectations. For example, the Host Family may feel that they must fix problems or situations that are not their responsibility. Alternately, if a hosting arrangement seems longer than expected, the Family Coach is needed to temper expectations.
Show empathy, hope, grace, and compassion. We work hard to err on the side of grace.
Problem solve. Family Coaches work with the church and other community resources to assist Families in need.
Reassure. Stressful situations require a calm presence and the ability to give hope to those who may feel hopeless.

Volunteer to become a Family Coach and be sure to let us know if you have experience in child welfare or as a host family.
Be a Family Coach