Help for our community

Providing compassionate care to individuals, families, and children in distress.

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What is IdaHope Families?

IdaHope Families is a nonprofit ministry of Jesus Christ facilitating collaboration between local church volunteers and family care professionals to provide care to at-risk children, individuals and families for the sake of transforming generations.

We have a vision to build a culture where individuals, parents, and children are safe and enriched through compassionate community.

 

Challenges our clients face

    • Temporary unemployment 
    • Alcohol/Drug Abuse
    • Domestic Violence
    • Medical Crisis
    • Temporary homelessness
    • Lack of family support
    • Temporary jail sentences

NEED ASSISTANCE?

All requests for help through this website will be addressed the following business day. If same-day assistance is needed please call our office number (208) 295-7233 and press 1. 

We know that life is challenging these days and parenting isn’t easy. We want you to know that you are not alone.

Many times people and families can feel isolated and alone especially during a challenging time. If you are experiencing a life crisis and want to work toward a solution but have nowhere else to turn, we can help.

A movement of compassion, IdaHope Families is designed to offer support for you and/or your family in your moment of need without relinquishing your parental rights. IdaHope Families vets, trains, and approves volunteers from local church communities to assist you and your children during a crisis giving you the time and tools you need to help you and your family thrive. 

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    IDAHOPE IS NOT FOSTER CARE

    With IdaHope Families, you can be confident that:

    • Biological Parents maintain full custody of their children while being hosted.
    • Volunteers are recruited from the Body of Christ and are extensively screened, trained, and supported in their role.
    • Individuals and children are welcome to stay anywhere from two days to six months based on the accessed need and hosting agreement (our average length of stay is six weeks).
    • IdaHope Families has close working relationships with the local church and referring organizations.
    • Our team is committed to preserving your family and helping you thrive.
    • All services are provided through our mentoring relationship in order to combat isolation, promote growth, and facilitate progress.

    FAQ’s About IdaHope Families

    What type of situations do your clients face?

    The client face situations such as financial issues due to unemployment, homelessness, drug/alcohol related issues, domestic violence, medical crisis, some disability challenges, etc. 

    How long does a child/individual usually stay with a Host Home and what ages?

    The average length of stay is about 30 days, but hosting arrangements can last from two days to six months. We make every effort at the time of placement to estimate the length of stay. Factors include the severity of the individual/family’s crisis and the willingness and ability of the individual, biological parent, or guardian to address the issues involved in the crisis. All of our clients must agree to participate in our mentoring program.

    While Host Homes can care for children ranging from newborns through adolescents (0-18), the majority of the children hosted are under 6 years old.

    How many children are reunited with their parents?

    The goal of IdaHope Families is to reunite children with their parent(s) in a home that is more stable and healthy. Currently, 99% of all families have reunited, often in the most stable environment they’ve ever known. If, however, the parent loses legal custody of their child(ren), Host Homes are welcome to contact a social services agency about the possibility of fostering or adopting.

    Can a family receive help without placing their children with a Host Home?

    Yes, there are several situations where we can help the individual and/or family without the children leaving the home. This will be determined in your intake visit with the Case Manager. It is important to note that all of our services are provided through our mentoring process where a 50/50 partnership is developed with our clients. 

    What type of contact will the Host Home have with the parent(s)?

    Parents maintain full custody of their child and are encouraged to maintain contact and participate in decisions regarding their child’s care. IdaHope Families aims to facilitate a relationship between Host Homes and the placing parent(s), in which the Host Home becomes a kind of “extended family” for the family in crisis. Host Homes are strongly encouraged to maintain a relationship with the placing family even after the hosting ends.

    Will a child in IdaHope Families typically have behavior problems?

    Possibly, but not necessarily. Trauma can influence a normally well-behaved child to behave poorly, and can influence a child with behavior problems to behave better. Some children may display behavioral problems as a result of the chaos in their lives, while others may be exceptionally calm and composed. It’s impossible to predict how the child will behave. Remember, it is the crisis of the parent(s) which trigger a referral, not difficult behaviors of a child.

    Children with severe mental health, behavioral issues, or children who cannot be safely managed in a family-like setting do not qualify for our hostings. 

    Reach Out To Us

    Find out how to get involved.

    35 Litehouse Drive
    Sandpoint, ID 83864

    208 295-SAFE

    208 295-7233

    info@idahopefamilies.org

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