The safety and welfare of our students is extremely important to HFDI. Many of the students staying with our host families are under 18 years of age, and we ask all hosts to help us ensure that appropriate curfews are observed.
Students Travelling as Part of a Group
Students travelling as part of a group will normally have a programme of organised activities and excursions. Once students return to their host family in the evening, they must remain at the host family home unless their group leader, teacher or HFDI has specifically advised otherwise, or they are going out with their host family.
The school, agent, group leader or HFDI may set a specific curfew for the group. Where a curfew has been provided, it applies to all students travelling as part of that group and must be followed.
Where no specific curfew has been provided, the HFDI general guideline for students travelling as part of a group is:
- Sunday–Thursday: home by 9:00pm
- Friday & Saturday: home by 10:00pm
These times are provided as a general safety guideline. Earlier curfews may be appropriate depending on the age of the students, programme, location, transport arrangements or during the winter months when evenings are darker.
If you have any concerns about the curfew for a student staying with you, please contact HFDI for guidance.
Guests Aged 18 and Over Who Are Not Travelling With a Group
Adult guests who are not part of an organised group are responsible for their own movements. However, they are staying in a private family home and are expected to respect the host family’s household rules, particularly regarding late-night arrivals, noise and security.
We recommend discussing your household expectations with your guest at the beginning of their stay.
If a Student Does Not Return Home
If a student travelling as part of a group has not returned home by their agreed curfew, hosts should:
- Try to contact the student immediately.
- If the student cannot be contacted or their whereabouts are unknown, contact the HFDI emergency number immediately. If you have the group leader’s or teacher’s contact number, you should also inform them.
- If you believe there is an immediate risk to the student’s safety or an emergency, contact the emergency services on 112 and then inform HFDI.
Hosts must not agree directly with a student to extend or change a group curfew where this conflicts with instructions provided by HFDI, their school, agent or group leader.
Curfews are in place primarily for student safety and safeguarding. We greatly appreciate the support of our host families in helping us keep students safe while they are staying in Ireland.