What is a McGruff House?

A McGruff House is a temporary haven for children who find themselves in a frightening or dangerous situation. It might be a house, an apartment, a townhouse, or a mobile home. The program was started in 1982 in Utah and has grown to include at least one program in 38 states. Having a McGruff House program in your neighborhood reflects strong community value in protecting children.

What do McGruff House Program Participants Do?

A McGruff House participant agrees to help children as they go to and from school and play in the neighborhood by: 

• Telephoning appropriate authorities if a child is lost, hurt or frightened or has a medical emergency
• Reassuring frightened children
• Reporting crimes and suspicious activities

A McGruff House Participant does not provide first aid (except in life-threatening situations); administer medications; supervise the neighborhood; enforce laws; provide food, beverages, or toilet facilities; provide transportation; or guarantee safety.

What Does It Take To Start a McGruff House Program?

A partnership that includes

• School or school system
• Law enforcement or district attorney's office
• Community organization (such as a parent group, neighborhood watch, civic or service organization, church, etc.) 

The McGruff House program have strict pre-qualification standards for those who volunteer. Volunteers are carefully screened to minimize risks to children.

Interested in starting a McGruff House Program in your School? Contact the Community Services Division at 402-444-6173 for more information.