Host Homes of Huntington County

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would a youth need a Host Home?  There are several reasons why a youth may need a Host Home.  Some frequent reasons why Host Homes is used is because; the child has been kicked out of the house, the child and parent aren’t getting along and need a cooling down period, the family has inefficient housing such as, their electricity has been turned off, they don’t have enough food to feed the child, or simply the child is homeless.  Some other reasons why Host Home is used is because there might be a health issue with a parent and they don’t have anyone else to watch their child, mental health issues with the parent, ect.

Am I taking in a child that could be harmful?  No!  We evaluate each case and never put a child in a Host Home that could be harmful to someone else or themselves.  We also never put a child in a Host Home that has a history with violence or theft.  Our number one priority is safety of the child and the family he/she is being placed with.  Some of the youth that are placed are having problems at home or are on probation but that doesn’t mean that they are a bad or harmful child.  Most of these children are good kids just in a bad situation and they need a little extra help to get them through. 

What ages would the children be?  We except youth from ages 5 to 18 to be in Host Homes.  You as a Host Home always get the option of what ages you would be willing to take in.  If you have a gender preference because of family structure we also work around that.  As a Host Home you always have the option not to take a child at a certain time for any reason.  We always work around your schedule as to when you can or can’t take a child.

What would I be responsible for?  As a Host Home your first and most important priority is to give the child a safe place to stay with a warm bed and food.  As a Host Home you will also have to insure that the child is making school and any other appointments they may need to make while they are with you.  We as a staff will also help you as a Host Home fulfill that requirement if need be.  Lastly you also get to be there with the child and be a listening ear if they choose to open up to you and you get to show them what it is like to live in a structured home with responsible and respectful adults.

How long would the child stay in my home?  Anywhere from 1 to 14 days depending on the situation.  The maximum stay for a child in a Host Home however is 14 days, after the 14 days we will then try other resources.  While the child is in the home this allows us at the Youth Services Bureau to work with the family and get other services in place for them.  This will insure that when the child returns home it will be a more stable and safe environment for them.  

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A HOST HOME

OR WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
RYAN BEECHING (260)356-9681