MINISTERING TO FAMILIES IN NEED Linda Brooks Jessica Denny

WHO WE ARE We provide loving Christian homes to children in need in the United States and around the world.

OUR HISTORY We provide hope for families through group home and foster home care for children, Christian family and/or personal counseling, family life conferences, adoptive services and care for pre-born children. In short, if it affects the family, BCH is there to help. Baptist Children's Home was called into existence in 1955 by churches seeking assistance in caring for families and children. BCH, according to the biblical mandate in James 1:27 to "Care for the Fatherless", answered this call and today cares for more than 1000 children in the United States, India, Southeast Asia and Liberia.

A ministry of “A movement of families giving hope to parents and children in crisis.”

OBJECTIVES: 1.Child Welfare Deflection: The Safe Families program provides a safe alternative to child welfare custody without involving the complexities of the court. 2.Child Abuse Prevention: Providing a safe, temporary place for the child of a parent facing stressors without immediate support can avert potential abuse episodes. 3.Family Support and Stabilization: Host families provide emotional and practical support, similar to that of an extended family, to assist the parents in crisis.

OBJECTIVES: 1.Child Welfare Deflection 2.Child Abuse Prevention 3.Family Support and Stabilization

COMPASSION AND HOSPITALITY Mobilize through the Church - a movement of people who are opening their homes rather than turning their backs to families suffering the anguish of crisis. Our passion is to connect people willing to be “spiritual extended family” to those who lack that kind of support. Those asking for help with Safe Families have no one else who can help them. Minister to most vulnerable in our communities

COMPASSION AND HOSPITALITY Mobilize through the Church Spiritual extended family Those asking for help with Safe Families have no one else who can help them. Minister to most vulnerable in our communities

DIFFERENT FROM FOSTER HOMES? Safe Families for Children is: Gospel-centered Pre-emptive Voluntary and non-coercive Supplemental care Non-financial

HOW DO FAMILIES LEARN ABOUT SFFC? Volunteers visit local homeless shelters, fire stations, hospitals, schools, churches, etc. to let the community know of our ministry* Social Media Advertisement (billboards, novelty items) Recommendations from families who have used our ministry Word of mouth

HOW YOUR CHURCH CAN BE INVOLVED

BENEFITS TO CHURCH 1.Spiritual growth/formation of church members 2.Community building for the congregation 3.Increased connection to the community 4.Biblical hospitality is a scriptural requirement of all who follow Christ 5.Compassion & Justice 6.Evangelism

LEVELS OF INVOLVEMENT 1.Participating Church Volunteers in the church Give information about Safe Families (Video, announcements, bulletins) Involve new volunteers Support for Safe Families & a volunteer leader 2.Lead Church Participating Church Network of support for volunteers (home groups/gatherings) Network of support professionals/Family Friends 3.Community Lead Church (Multiplier) Lead Church responsibilities Provide Lead Church network to those who do not attend their church Support the community Participating Churches

SAFE FAMILIES FOR CHILDREN MINISTER In addition to being a promoter, SFFC is designated as one of your church’s local outreach ministries or a new ministry for SFFC is added. Identify and Support Safe Families in your church Offer support services to Safe Families in your church Develop a resource closet for Safe Families stocked with diapers, formula, car seats, etc. Provide volunteer case coaches.

SAFE FAMILIES FOR CHILDREN MULTIPLIER In addition to being a Promoter and Minister, the church offers its services to other churches participating in the Safe Families community. Offer resources such as professional services (medical, dental, psychological, legal, etc.) Tutoring, Transportation, babysitting Parental support Education, parenting skills/classes, finding housing Life Skills Training Small Groups

HOST FAMILY Approval required by BCH: application, training, home evaluation, fingerprinting, background checks, references Determine profile of children they are able to host Contacted by SFFC to discuss potential placement After accepting placement, attend intake meeting and transfer children to home, if possible Have weekly visits with placing parents and develop positive, supportive relationship

FAMILY COACH Approval required by BCH: training, fingerprinting, background checks, references, etc. Social service experience is valued but not required Responsibilities  Coordinate intake meeting with placing parents, children being placed, and Host Family  Support and encourage Host Family and ensure well-being of child in care via regular visits/contact  Provide support and mentorship to placing parents  Coordinate communication among FC supervisor, Host Family, and placing parents

FAMILY FRIEND Host Family Support  Overnight respite care (requires host family approval process)  Day respite/babysitting  Transportation  Resources  Meals Placing Parent Support  Mentorship and guidance to help meet specified goals determined at placement  Assisting with life skills when needed

SERVICES WE PROVIDE Host Family Evaluations Trained and licensed staff members Home Evaluations Criminal Histories and Background Checks Run reference checks on all volunteers SFFC hotline Monitoring call line after normal business hours Liaison between state agencies and churches across the state

SERVICES WE PROVIDE Hotline call screening Contacting local case coaches and families Training for Host Families, Case Coaches, and more Decades of experience in Indiana Child Care Indiana child care regulations Abuse/Neglect reporting

Q & A Safe-families.org

Questions? Allen County – Linda Brooks or Jessica Denny safe-families.org THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING HOW YOUR CHURCH FAMILY MAY BECOME INVOLVED