Supporting safe reunification for children and families.
Safe at Home helps children safely return home from foster care by providing additional support to families during their reunification process. When children return to a safe, stable home environment, it strengthens emotional well-being, promotes healthy development, and keeps families connected.
What is Safe at Home?
In Oregon, children returning home from foster care must have an in-home safety plan in place. These plans often rely on trusted adults – like family or friends – to help ensure a child’s safety during reunification. However, not all families have access to that kind of support.
The Safe at Home program helps bridge that gap by connecting families with trained Family Partner volunteers. These volunteers provide consistent, supportive relationships while helping monitor safety plans and guiding families through the transition to reunification and the ongoing maintenance of stability.
Why this work matters
- Helping children reunify with their families creates the foundation for long-term stability and well-being.
- Children in foster care often experience multiple placements, increasing trauma and instability. Safe, supported reunification reduces disruption and helps children build a stronger foundation for emotional, social, and academic success.
- When families are reunited safely, parents are more likely to stay engaged in treatment and support services.
- Reunification can be a powerful motivator for lasting change, especially for those navigating mental health or substance use challenges.
- At its core, Safe at Home helps families be together—safely—while building stability and preventing re-entry into foster care.
How Family Partners Help
Family Partner volunteers play a vital role in supporting children and families during reunification. They:
- Help monitor in-home safety plans
- Provide a consistent, supportive presence
- Model positive parenting practices
- Encourage stability, connection, and accountability
- Connect families to resources and support services
- Serve as mandatory reporters to help ensure child safety
Every family’s needs are unique, but the goal remains the same: keeping children safe while strengthening families.
