Support Chain of Communication (Host Family View)

This is the AFS Support Chain of Communication:

This text is formatted to be read aloud during a Host Family Pre-Arrival orientation

Hosted Participant: AFS-USA hosts approximately 2800 participants annually. (insert number) will be hosted in (insert name of town, city or Team) this year.

Host Family Member: Many host families have sent their own children abroad (ask for a show of hands) were AFS participants themselves (ask for a show of hands) or have hosted previously (ask for a show of hands).

AFS Liaison: Each participant and host family is assigned a local volunteer or liaison. Throughout your participant’s program, your AFS liaison will initiate separate contact with both you and your participant each month. It is important to remember however, that you needn’t wait for your liaison to contact you. In fact, we urge you to ask for assistance at any time, before difficulties and misunderstandings escalate to a less manageable situation.

AFS Chapter or Team Support Coordinator: Your liaison will keep the Chapter or Team Support Coordinator apprised of any important matters concerning you and your hosted participant. Support Coordinators serve as a resource to help resolve any issues or answer any questions that you or your liaison may have.

AFS Duty Officer: In case of an emergency outside of regular business hours and you are unable to reach your liaison, you would contact the AFS Duty Officer. An emergency might be a car accident, serious illness and/or hospitalization of your participant, any situation in which the police are involved, or any time you feel is there is important information that must be communicated to the natural parents immediately.

AFS Staff in the U.S. and Partner Country: AFS staff in the U.S. and in your participant’s home country work with volunteers in their respective countries to resolve those issues and questions that can’t or be resolved at the local level.

AFS Volunteers in the Home Country: The volunteer structure varies around the world, but in every AFS partner country you will find volunteers who serve as a bridge between the parent of the participant and the staff in the partner office.

Natural Family Members: Like host family members, natural family members abroad may have been abroad themselves, or have hosted a participant. Some may even be hosting a participant while their child is in your home.