Becoming a Host Home Family
Frequently Asked Questions
When I shelter a youth, does he/she become my legal responsibility?
There is no exchange of guardianship/parental responsibilities when you serve as a Host Home. You simply provide a safe place for the youth to stay for up to 21 days.
Are youth ever placed in the Host Home program without the permission/consent of their parents?
Never. Parents of youth entering shelter in a Host Home have voluntarily placed their children in our program.
How long can a youth stay in our home?
While the maximum amount of time a youth may utilize the Host Home program is 21 days, the average stay is typically 7-10 days.
How old will the youth be that we shelter?
Youth must be 13-17 years old.
Will I be reimbursed for daily costs related to providing shelter for the youth?
Host Homes receive a stipend of $25.00 per day when sheltering a youth.
Will I have support from Project Safe Place while the youth is in my care?
Safe Place provides 24-hour support when a youth is in your care.
Will I be provided with training specific to serving youth in crisis?
Project Safe Place replaces the PRIDE training (specific to becoming a foster parent) with our own curriculum regarding serving families and youth in crisis.
What if our family circumstances change before our one-year agreement is up and we can no longer guarantee shelter?
The agreement between Safe Place and Host Home family is a voluntary agreement and can be terminated at your request at anytime.
What if we decide that we cannot keep the shelter youth for the full 21 days due to safety concerns, family emergency, etc?
If a placement is not working out for any reason you can request that a youth be removed prior to the 21 day limit.
Is there a financial burden to becoming licensed to shelter Safe Place youth?
No. There is no cost to become licensed foster home.
Will my family’s information be kept confidential?
Yes. Your information is never disclosed to the youth your shelter or to their family.
If you are interested in becoming a host home family or for more information call Project Safe Place at 208-676-0772 or email bsmitherman@voaspokane.org.