With the changing economy and limited access to many social services, many families are experiencing financial crises, unemployment, and homelessness. Others are dealing with substance abuse, mental health issues, medical illness or incarceration. Many parents cannot provide their children with a safe and caring environment during emergencies.

Historically, extended families or neighbours would step in to help parents by caring for their children temporarily. However, many urban families today are socially isolated, with no extended family nearby, especially for newcomers to Canada. In times of crisis, this leaves children vulnerable to neglect or abuse as parents struggle to cope with overwhelming emotions and circumstances.

Safe Families provides a model in which parents can voluntarily place their child(ren) with a Host Family while retaining custody during the temporary placement. The families that Safe Families Canada supports come from various backgrounds and are referred by a school, hospital, church, pregnancy centre, homeless shelter, child welfare agency, or neighbour. Parents may also contact Safe Families themselves when in a time of crisis.

Safe Families Canada’s volunteers serve without compensation and are motivated by the compassion and grace they first received from Jesus Christ.