Becoming a Host Family

We are delighted that you are considering participating as a host family with the Chernobyl Children's Project. Please note that this chapter supports host families in an area just north of San Francisco in Marin County, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, and Sonoma. If you are outside those areas, we recommend that you contact the Children of Chernobyl U.S. Alliance for information on other chapters worldwide.

The host family experience in our program is different than you may have experienced with exchange students. The children are typically younger, aged eight to twelve, and they will usually need more parenting due to their age and the lack of an educational distraction. The kids often reward these extra efforts by becoming much closer to their American families than other exchange experiences.

In addition, you need to consider the culture shock that some children may experience. For example, some children come from rural environments without plumbing. Other children are quite experienced and can identify Disney characters with ease. 

Throughout the summer the CCP will extend invitations to you for several activities, and we encourage involvement as it allows the children to socialize with other Belarusians and provides an opportunity for host families to get to know one another. You are encouraged to meet with other host families and plan activities with them as well. 

Thank you for your interest and your time. We are sure that this will prove to be a memorable experience for your entire family--perhaps a great adventure! Your caring will be felt long after this summer, when the children return to their homes to tell their loved ones of their wonderful trip to California.

Please download the appropriate Chernobyl Children’s Project application to start the hosting process. The new child application is for families new to the program or prior families requesting a first-time child. The returnee application is for families wishing to bring back a child who has stayed with them previously. When you have finished completing the application please e-mail it to our Host Family coordinator Tatiana Saniuk.

Application for new children
Application for returnee children

Email Host Family Coordinator 

Please note that you will need Adobe Acrobat to view and print the application.