Below are helpful instructions for getting your child connected with Hopecam. You will also find a list of Frequently Asked Questions and tips for an easy connection.

1 - Submit A Referral

To begin, you, or your child’s social worker, guidance counselor or Child Life specialist, will need to fill out an application. You can find the application here.

Once your application has been received, our team will review it and contact you with any questions. After approval, we will mail a Get Connected Bag with all requested materials to the address you provided on the application.

If you have not received the bag within three weeks of submitting your application, please email info@hopecam.org or call 571-504-1856.

2 - Initial Contact

Shortly after sending the Get Connected Bag, we will contact you to answer any questions you may have about the technology and discuss your child’s school connection needs.

3 - Connecting With The School

Once your child is all set with their equipment, we work with the school to introduce them to Hopecam and get them on board. It is often helpful if you have given the guidance counselor, principal or teacher a heads up about Hopecam.

Generally, schools can use their own computers for Hopecam and we provide the webcam. In special circumstances, we lend the school a laptop.

We work with administrators, teachers, guidance counselors and tech staff to set up Hopecam in your child’s classroom. This process typically takes one to two months, depending on circumstances.

4 - The Connection

Once the school is set up with a web camera and the video conferencing account, we help the family and the teacher agree on a schedule and style of connection. We always recommend conducting a test call first between the teacher and the child before inviting the rest of the class to join the call.

Teachers have a lot going on in their classrooms, and Hopecam is one more thing that we ask teachers to take on. We ask that you remember that the teacher or staff member is participating in Hopecam voluntarily, as they understand the impact it can have on a homebound child.

Keep in touch with your child’s teacher using email and let them know ahead of time if you have to cancel a connection.

5 - Keep Us Posted

We love to get pictures of kids using Hopecam! Please send us photos of your child using their Hopecam device and keep us updated on their progress.

6 - The Hopecam Device

Your child's Hopecam device is a gift that they can keep after returning to school.

Please help us spread the word! Share your story with the media, Facebook, our newsletter and blogs to help us get the word out about Hopecam. Tell your school board, school nurses and homebound coordinators about the impact Hopecam had on your child.