+ How do we learn about a child who needs care?

• We will contact you by phone or text and share the need with you, depending on the urgency.

+ How long do we have to decide if we can help?

• The timeframe will vary depending on the situation. Usually, 24 hours will be sufficient. However, the sooner we can tell the parent that we have a family who can help, the sooner the parent can make plans.
• Sometimes we will ask several Care Families about the same opportunity. The first family to respond will likely be the family we use.
• We understand that our Care Families have busy lives and need time to discuss, pray, and plan as well.

+ Can we take the child to church?

• During the intake process with the parent, we ask permission to allow the child to participate in church and epxressions of our Care Families' faith. In the years we have been doing this compassion ministry, no parent has ever refused.
• Because faith is the foundation of Homes of Compassion and we honor and respect our Care Families, we would not ask you to care for a child at the expense of observing your faith practices.
• We want your family to worship in the way you are accustomed. We just promise the parents that no one will pressure him/her or the child into a faith decision.

+ How will Homes of Compassion support us in this ministry?

• Our Homes of Compassion staff wants to walk beside you in this ministry. We have a schedule of visits. The first visit to your home to check on you, the child, and your family will be within 72 hours of welcoming the child into your home. After that they will visit weekly for the first month and then every other week for as long as the hosting continues.
• Our team is here for you. We are available by phone, text, or additional visits.
• We also offer additional training throughout the year. We want you to feel well-equipped in this ministry role.

+ Can we adopt the child we are caring for?

• No. Our goal with Homes of Compassion is: “Keeping Families Together.” Our ministry is to help strengthen the family. Homes of Compassion is not a path toward adoption.

+ I'm a Foster Parent. Can I still be a Care Family?

• Yes, the State of Indiana allows Foster Parents to also be a Care Family. However, you cannot simultaneously care for a foster child and a Homes of Compassion child. We recommend you let your caseworker know that you are also a Care Family.

+ What will my relationship with the parent be like?

• This is a great question. We will address it from two perspectives. First, you as the Care Family get to decide what involvement you would like to have with the parent. With each hosting, the Care Family will need to assist with phone calls to or about the child. You may see the parent when dropping off the child for a family visit. In these cases, your relationship could be minimal. In some situations, you may want to build a caring relationship with the parent. In these case you could become a friend or mentor. Your involvement, to an extent, is up to you. It may vary from parent to parent.

• The other perspective is from that of the parent. Some parents appreciate developing a caring or mentoring relationship. Some do not. A parent may grow into a trusting relationship in time or after repeated hostings of their child. We want to be respectful of each parent and allow them the freedom to interact with you at both of your levels of comfort. We will discuss this further in training.

+ How much will the parent know about us?

• Homes of Compassion will share your first names. We will never disclose your address or your last name. If you choose to disclose that information to the parent, that is your decision. Of course, a child who can read may figure this information out on their own.
• We will share general information about your family. Below is an example of what we would share:

• • They are a wonderful family with three children, two boys and a girl. The kids are ages 2-6 with their daughter being the youngest. The children love playing outside on their swing set. They have lots of toys for indoor play, and their dog is a friendly Shih Tzu. Bob and Penny (parents) are so eager to welcome your daughter. They have been a Care Family with Homes of Compassion for two years.

+ What if the parent asks us for money?

• If the parent should ask you for money, we recommend saying something like, “I can understand that you may have some financial needs. However, Homes of Compassion policy is that any request for financial help must be handled by your Family Advocate. We know thay will be happy to talk with you about this”

+ Can we care for the chlld without using Homes of Compassion?

• This situation can arise when you build a relationship with the parent over time. Our recommendation is that if you would like afternoon visits to the zoo or a park, etc. in the role of extended family, that may be something you could consider.
• If the parent asks you to keep the child for a night or longer, we do not recommend such an arrangement outside of Homes of Compassion. We do not recommend it for several reasons.

• • You would likely not have the Powers of Attorney that allow you to seek medical care for the chlld. The parent would likely not have signed other paperwork releasing you from risk.

• • You would not have the resource of Homes of Compassion staff.

• • You would not have the child’s medical insurance cards.

• In summary, if you and your family choose to care for a child on a private basis. that is outside of Homes of Compassion’s scope of authority. We caution against this practice for your own safety as well as that of the child. However, should you choose to care for the child privately, we recommend that you seek your own legal counsel on this matter prior to caring for the child.

+ Do we need special training to be a Care Family?

We have an on-line training that will equip you to be a Care Family. As you care for children, we are available to help you with any specific situations that you may encounter and offer other training during the year.

+ How much will it cost to care for a child?

There will be some cost involved when caring for a child. Primarily, it will be food, diapers, or formula. We often have other resources that we can help you with items such as food, diapers, toys, and clothing. If you are caring for babies, you may need a Pack N Play or crib that meets safety guidelines (we will provide the guidelines). You may also need an unexpired car seat. We have resources who can help provide them.

+ Can we choose the age children we would like to care for?

During your home evaluation we will discuss the ages, genders, and number of children you would be comfortable caring for. Most of our hostings are children under 4 years of age.

+ How can we get our church more involved?

Please call or email us at intake@compassion.homes. We would love to talk with you about a presentation of our ministry to your church family.