What is a SAFE assessment?
A SAFE (Structured Assessment Family Evaluation) is a home-study report ordered by the government, and conducted by home assessors, in cases where a family is applying for kinship, adoption, foster parenting, or private guardianship.
Why is the assessment used?
SAFE assessments are a valuable tool used to determine if a family meets the requirements of being considered for accepting children into their care. It is an in-depth process that examines each individual family member, how the family functions as a unit, and the suitability of the home environment.
The assessment process
This is a lengthy and thorough assessment involving many pieces. If you’ve applied for kinship, adoption, foster parenting, or private guardianship, you will undergo a SAFE assessment. In a nutshell, here’s what to expect:
- Home assessors will receive your case files from Children and Family Services which include questionnaires that your family will complete.
- Prior to meeting with you, all documents will be reviewed (questionnaires, references, criminal record checks, etc.)
- The home assessor will contact you to arrange for an appointment to meet with you and go over the process of the SAFE assessment.
- At minimum, two meetings of at least 2 hours are needed as part of the assessment process.
- Each family member (including children) will be interviewed.
- The home assessor writes a report of their evaluation.
- The report gets reviewed by caseworkers and by you.
The entire process typically takes 2 to 4 months to complete.
To learn more about booking a SAFE assessment, please call 780-461-1717. We recognize that each individual has different needs and our intake and admin specialists will be able to provide you with an estimated quote and timeline for your assessment.
