Host Families open their homes and hearts to caring for a child during his or her treatment. Because nurturing is an integral part of the success of Healing the Children's mission, Host Families play a vital role. Flexibility is an important quality for a Host Family, as a variety of unforeseen things can happen during a child's stay.

Frequently asked questions:

Who are the children?

Children from around the world with a wide range of medical conditions are identified and referred to Healing the Children by international partners, hospitals, doctors, clinics, and/or by our traveling medical teams. They are brought to the U.S. because they require care beyond what is available in their home countries. The child's parents turn over temporary care to Healing the Children during their stay in the United States. These parents place enormous trust and faith in Healing the Children as they desperately await the return of their child.

What are the responsibilities of the Host Family?

A Host Family provides a level of nurturing to the healing child that cannot be given in an institutional setting. The family assumes responsibility for substitute parenting while the child is away from his/her own family. All familial needs except medical/surgical care and treatment are assumed by the Host Family (including: food, shelter, transportation to/from hospital and doctor visits, maintaining contact with the child's parents and the HTC team and, of course, love).

What support will the Host Family be given?

Healing the Children makes all arrangements for the child's arrival and departure (passports, visas, power of attorney, etc.). Healing the Children will provide 24 hour crisis intervention/support to the Host Family. We match a Support Family to each Host Family who will play a consistent, supportive role while the child is undergoing care. Respite care is also available to the Host Family if they plan to travel outside the state while hosting a child. We are committed to doing everything possible to make this a positive experience for everyone involved.

How long will a child be here?

Although some medical treatments allow for a shorter stay, periods of treatment typically last three to six months. The child will reside with their Host Family during the entire period of their stay.

What steps are required to become a Host Family?

Interested families are asked to complete a Host Family Application 93K pdf. The application process also requires a police record check (including a child abuse check) and three letters of recommendation. Another important piece to the process is a home visit by a Healing the Children representative. Host Family applicants will be interviewed in an effort to learn more about the family and determine eligibility. During the home visit, the prospective family is given detailed information about the responsibilities involved, and through the process, we learn more about the best fit for child and Host Family.