Safe Place
An estimated 500 children enter foster care in Snohomish County each year. Many of these children leave home late at night with just minutes to say goodbye to their families. They are loaded into a social worker’s car with only a hastily-packed garbage bag of their belongings in tow.
Before Safe Place, these children would ride in the back of that car, sometimes overnight, while their social worker made calls in hopes of finding them a safe place to stay.
Founded in 2010, Hand in Hand Safe Place was established by a group of foster parents in response to this exact situation – supporting children entering foster care at night and on weekends. It was the first program of its kind.
In May of 2013, HB 1261 (the ‘Safe Place bill’) was passed and signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee, allowing for the Safe Place model to be used across Washington state.
Since 2010, more than 1,500 children have been served through Hand in Hand Safe Place.
During their stay, Hand in Hand Safe Place children receive a medical screening, new clothes and shoes, personal hygiene items, and school supplies. They are also given opportunities for education and adventure like fieldtrips to the Children’s Museum, the zoo, movie theatres, and hiking outings.
Our goal is not only to provide the children we serve at Hand in Hand Safe Place with the basic needs necessary for their success, but with hope, support and ongoing opportunities to thrive.
A few Hand in Hand Safe Place Facts:
WHO
Hand in Hand Safe Place serves children ages 0-17, initially entering foster care. The majority of children served by our shelter are 0-9 years of age.
WHAT
Hand in Hand Safe Place is a shelter that provides 72-hour emergency care for children initially entering the foster care system.
Safe Place creates a supportive environment for youth to transition smoothly into foster care and allows time for families to access resources needed for their children to return home. Additionally, placing children in our shelter provides social workers with additional time to locate a foster home that is well suited to meet each child’s needs.
WHEN
Hand in Hand Safe Place serves children immediately after they are removed from their homes until their shelter care hearing, or for up to 72 hours.
Safe Place Volunteer Opportunities
Hand in Hand is blessed to have the support of volunteers working throughout our organization. One of our key volunteer opportunities is working within our Hand in Hand Safe Place shelter.
Hand in Hand Safe Place Volunteer Position Description:
Hand in Hand Safe Place provides temporary shelter in a welcoming environment while compassionately and expertly supporting youth as they transition into foster care. Much of this volunteer work takes place at the Safe Place shelter.
Best Suited for People Who:
- Are passionate about providing direct care services and support to youth who have experienced trauma.
- Embody compassion, dedication and hope and possess the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
- We have a shift for everyone at Safe Place. Those who have either morning, afternoon, evening, overnight OR weekend availability.
To apply for this position, or any of our volunteer opportunities, click here.