Host Homes in North Dakota

A Host Home is a private residence where a trained and screened individual or family welcomes a youth with a disability into their home. Host Home Providers offer a safe, supportive, family-style environment while helping youth build independence, develop life skills, and stay connected to their community.

While the Host Home model provides many of the same wraparound supports as foster care, there is one important difference: parents or caregivers maintain custody of their child while the youth receives out-of-home support in a Host Home setting. In foster care, custody is typically transferred to the state or another authorized agency.

To become a qualified Host Home provider, individuals must meet several requirements to help ensure a safe, supportive, and stable environment for youth.

Host Home providers must:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Pass a comprehensive criminal background check for all adults living in the home
• Successfully complete a home study and licensing process
• Complete 12 hours of annual training
• Maintain liability insurance
• Provide three personal references

Throughout the licensing and approval process, a dedicated Nexus Family Healing team member will guide and support you every step of the way, answering questions, providing resources, and helping ensure you feel prepared and confident as a Host Home provider.

The level of support varies based on each youth’s unique needs. Responsibilities may include:

• Providing a safe and welcoming home environment
• Assisting with daily routines and life skills
• Providing transportation to appointments, school, work, or community activities
• Encouraging social connections and community involvement
• Offering guidance, stability, and emotional support

You are not expected to do this alone. Nexus Family Healing provides ongoing support whenever you need it.

No. Many successful Host Home Providers come from a variety of backgrounds and have no previous professional experience in disability services. Compassion, patience, flexibility, and a willingness to learn are most important.

No prior training is required before applying. All Host Home Providers complete required training and screening before being matched with a youth. 

Yes! Host Home Providers receive ongoing support throughout their experience, which may include: 

• A dedicated case manager 

• 24/7 on-call support 

• Ongoing training opportunities 

• Access to resources and guidance 

Connection with other Host Home Providers for peer support

Yes. Host Home Providers receive a monthly stipend to help offset the costs associated with supporting a youth.

No. Both homeowners and renters may be eligible to become Host Home Providers, provided the living arrangement meets program requirements and receives approval through the certification process.

You may still qualify. A variety of housing types can be approved as Host Homes as long as the residence provides a safe and appropriate environment for the youth.

In many cases, yes. Eligibility depends on the needs of the youth and the support available within your household. Our team will work with you to determine whether a Host Home placement is a good fit for your lifestyle.

The certification process typically includes:

• An application
• Background checks
• Reference checks
• Home study and/or home visit
• Required training

The timeline varies based on individual circumstances and how quickly required paperwork, training, and screening components are completed. 

Youth served through the Host Homes program are 10-19 years old may have a variety of disabilities and support needs.

Every situation is unique and there’s no limit to how long a youth can spend with a Host Home provider.

Our team works hard to make thoughtful matches between youth and Host Home Providers. If challenges arise, ongoing support is available. If a placement is not successful, Nexus Family Healing has a process in place to address concerns and prioritize the wellbeing and safety of everyone involved.

The program’s goal is to provide safe, caring, supportive homes for youth with disabilities with the ultimate goal of reuniting them with their natural families.  

The need for Host Homes continues to grow, and additional providers are needed across North Dakota to ensure youth with disabilities have access to supportive, community-based living options.

That’s understandable and something we hear often. Most Host Home Providers begin the process with questions and uncertainty. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way through training, matching, placement, and ongoing support. You don’t need to be perfect; you simply need a willingness to provide a safe, caring, and supportive home.

If you’re interested in Becoming a Host Home, contact us by:

• Email: [email protected]
• Call: Fargo: 701-280-9545 / Bismarck: 701-224-9611
• Text: 701-850-9335