Events
An Event is a stay of up to seven nights, with a family other than the student's fully-screened* long-term placement, where the student will be returning to their original placement at the end of the Event. Event Families are typically used when a Team is conducting a large group event or orientation, though they can also be used for any Student Visit of seven nights or less.
Event Family Application
Because an Event can only be up to seven nights, the family may complete a shortened version of the full application, called the Event Application. The table below lists the sections of the application that are required for each type of application:
Exceptions for Events
The following conditions apply only in Events:
- More than two participants may stay with the same Event Family.
- Participants who are from the same country or who speak the same native language may stay with the same Event Family.
- Inflatable or convertible beds may be used.
- Supplemental Placement Paperwork (double placement, one-member household, or same-sex couple) is not required.
Event FAQs
How long can a student stay with an Event Family?
The student can only stay with an Event Family for seven nights or less. If the student will be staying longer or will not be returning to their original fully-screened Host Family, the student will have to move to a fully-screened family.
Can an Event Family be used outside of orientations and Team gatherings?
Yes. As long as the stay will last no longer than seven nights and the student will return to their original fully-screened Host Family, an Event Family can be used at any time during the year in non-support situations.
Can a student that is having support-related issues stay with an Event Family?
No. Because of the unplanned, evolving nature of support situations, a student may not be placed with an Event Family. Event Families should only be used for planned stays where it is known that the student will be returning to their original fully-screened Host Family. A student that is having support-related issues should be counseled by a trained support volunteer with a full Host Family application. We strongly encourage liaisons and support volunteers to consider being a Pre-Screened Family in order to allow them to take in a student if needed.
Can a student stay with an Event Family upon arrival?
Yes. A student can stay with an Event Family for up to seven nights, but only if the student has already been assigned to a fully-screened Welcome or Permanent Host Family. A student cannot be placed with an Event Family to allow them to travel from their country while identifying a Welcome or Permanent placement.
Can families who have completed the full application be used as Event Families?
Yes. Any family that is fully-screened can be used for an Event. They do not need to complete the Event Application.
Are students allowed to sleep on inflatable beds or pull-out couches in an Event?
Yes. Because an Event can be no longer than seven nights, there is more flexibility in the type of bed a student can use. Inflatable or convertible beds are sufficient, as long as they are comfortable and will provide the student with an adequate place to sleep.
Can more than two students stay with an Event Family?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of students staying with an Event Family, provided there is adequate space for all the students. Additionally, students from the same country or who speak the same native language may be placed together with an Event Family.
Can a student stay with consecutive Event Families?
If a Permanent Host Family will be traveling or is otherwise unable to host for more than seven nights and the team cannot secure a fully-screened family for the entire duration, a student may be placed in consecutive Event Families. However a student may not be in a non-compliant sleeping arrangement for more than seven days, i.e. a sleeping bag for two weeks. The volunteers must ensure that if the student is staying with consecutive Event Families, they do not go more than seven nights without a bed/bedroom sleeping arrangement that is in compliance with all relevant regulations.
*Fully-screened indicates that the Host Family has completed the full Host Family application.