Your Questions, Answered
Explore quick, clear answers about how Find Love Safely helps you date smarter and safer—because you deserve peace of mind in your search for love.

Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
Who is Find Love Safely for?
Find Love Safely is for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want friendship, dating, or meaningful connection — and for caregivers who want a thoughtful, safe, and respectful process.
Members join at many different stages, from first-time daters to those with past relationship experience.
Is Find Love Safely a dating app?
No. Find Love Safely is not an app and does not use swiping, algorithms, or open messaging.
Is Find Love Safely only for people who want to date?
No. Some members join to build confidence, learn skills, find friends, or explore what dating means for them before pursuing introductions. There is no pressure to date before someone feels ready.
What counts as an intellectual or developmental disability?
We define "intellectual or developmental disability" as a diagnosis that creates social, intellectual, or developmental challenges for you. Some examples include:
- Autism
- Down syndrome
- Traumatic brain injury
- ADD or ADHD
- Fetal alcohol syndrome
- Fragile X syndrome
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- DiGeorge syndrome
- CHARGE syndrome
- Unspecified intellectual or developmental delays
- Any other intellectual or developmental disability not listed here
Can members of the LGBTQIA+ community join Find Love Safely?
Yes. We welcome all gender and sexual identities.
What if I am just looking for a friendship and don't want a relationship?
We match people for friendships and romantic relationships.
Matchmaking & Timing
How does matchmaking work?
We take time to get to know each member — including interests, goals, communication style, and readiness — and make thoughtful introductions when there appears to be a good potential fit.
Introductions are never rushed or random.
How long does it take to find a match?
Matchmaking timelines vary based on location, preferences, and availability. Some members connect quickly, while others take more time.
Quiet periods do not mean inactivity. During these times, we continue actively looking and provide support through workshops, coaching, and check-ins.
Are matches guaranteed?
No. We do not guarantee matches or specific timelines. What we do guarantee is care, intention, and ongoing effort.
What will we talk about during the introductory virtual call?
During the virtual call, you and your Find Love Safely matchmaker will get to know each other a bit. We will have a few questions to ask you about yourself, and you can ask us any questions you have as well.
How many people will you match me with?
Good question! The short answer is, "We don't know.
We consider lots of factors when making a match, and we don't know how many people will fit what you're looking for. But, there is no limit to the number of matches you are eligible for.
We will keep sending you matches until you let us know you no longer want to be considered for matchmaking services. And, you can simply pause your membership any time.
How do you decide who will be a good match?
While we can't always get matches exactly right, here are some of the things we look for when making a match:
- Do they like some of the same things?
- Will have things to talk about on their date?
- Are they in the age range each other is looking for?
- Are they looking for the same type of relationship (e.g., friendship, long-term relationship)?
What if I don't match with anyone?
While we can't guarantee matches, you can trust that we will be dedicated to trying to find someone who's just right for you.
A good way to help increase your chances of finding a match is get your friends to sign up too! The more people we have in our database, the easier it will be to find matches for everyone.
What happens after you find someone you think will be a good match for me?
This is the fun part! When we find someone who we think will be a good match for you, we will email both of you to let you know we found a match.
When we send our email, we will also include a bio sheet so you can see a photo of who you were matched with and learn a little bit about that person.
If you don't want to meet or go on a date with your match, that's okay! We will keep looking for matches for you until you either find a partner or do not want to be considered for matchmaking anymore.
Do you chaperone the dates?
No. After we email you your match's bio page, we step out of the process, and the next steps are yours to decide.
What happens if the relationship doesn't work out?
Dating and relationships can be really tricky sometimes, and some won't work out. When/if you are ready to date again, just let us know and we'll start looking for matches for you!
Programs
Is matchmaking included in every program?
Yes. Personalized matchmaking is included in all programs.
What’s the difference between Core, Essentials, and Concierge?
- Core focuses on matchmaking with light ongoing support
- Essentials includes matchmaking plus live virtual workshops and caregiver summaries
- Concierge includes everything in Essentials plus monthly 1:1 coaching
Families can choose the level of program support that feels right and adjust over time.
Can I start with Core and upgrade later?
Yes. Many families begin with the Core Program and decide to add workshops or coaching later if additional support would be helpful. Upgrades are always optional and can be discussed at any time.
What will we talk about during the introductory virtual call?
During the virtual call, you and your Find Love Safely matchmaker will get to know each other a bit. We will have a few questions to ask you about yourself, and you can ask us any questions you have as well.
Do we have to upgrade to get matches?
No. Matchmaking is never paywalled. Upgrading adds support, not access to introductions.
Can we change programs later?
Yes. Families may upgrade at any time. Changes or downgrades are typically reviewed at renewal to ensure the best fit.
Do you still offer Independent and Supported participation models?
No. Find Love Safely no longer uses separate “Independent” and “Supported” participation models.
As our community has grown, we’ve learned that support needs are rarely one-size-fits-all — and they often change over time. Instead of asking families to choose a rigid model upfront, we now use one enrollment pathway and work together during the intake process to determine the right level of caregiver or support involvement.
Some members prefer to communicate independently, others involve caregivers closely, and many fall somewhere in between. All of these approaches are welcomed and supported.
Caregiver involvement is never removed or minimized — it is simply customized to fit each member’s needs and preferences, with clarity and consent from everyone involved.
Coaching & Workshops
What are the live virtual workshops?
Workshops focus on skills like communication, boundaries, online safety, handling rejection, confidence, and healthy relationships. They are interactive, supportive, and designed specifically for adults with IDD.
Do caregivers attend workshops?
No. Workshops are for members. In the Essentials and Concierge programs, caregivers receive a short summary email after each session.
What happens in 1:1 coaching sessions?
Coaching sessions provide personalized support tailored to the member’s needs. Topics may include dating experiences, confidence-building, communication practice, or problem-solving.
Coaching is supportive and practical — not therapy.
What happens if we miss a coaching session?
We understand that unexpected things happen. Coaching sessions canceled with at least 24 hours’ notice may be rescheduled. Sessions canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed without notice, are considered completed sessions. If missed sessions become a pattern, our team will reach out to help problem-solve and adjust support as needed.
Are virtual workshops included with every membership?
Virtual workshops are included with the Essentials and Concierge programs.
Core membership includes matchmaking support but does not include ongoing virtual workshops.
Members who receive temporary or grandfathered workshop access will be notified in advance before any changes occur.
Safety & Caregiver Involvement
How does Find Love Safely prioritize safety?
Safety is woven into every part of our work, including:
- Intentional onboarding and screening
- Education around boundaries, consent, and online safety
- Thoughtful pacing of introductions
- Clear communication with caregivers, when appropriate
How is caregiver or support-person involvement determined?
Caregiver or support-person involvement is discussed during enrollment and your intake call.
During that conversation, we’ll talk through:
- Who should be included in communication
- How decisions are made
- What level of involvement feels appropriate right now
Support involvement can be adjusted over time as comfort, confidence, and circumstances change.
Does caregiver involvement mean the member has less independence?
No. Support involvement does not take away a member’s independence or voice.
Our goal is to balance autonomy and safety in a way that feels respectful and appropriate for each individual. Members are always encouraged to express preferences, make choices, and participate actively — with support added where it’s helpful.
What if one member prefers more support than the other? Can they still be matched?
Yes. Members may have different levels of caregiver or support involvement, and this does not automatically prevent a potential match.
When support levels differ, our matchmakers consider communication preferences, comfort, and consent for everyone involved. If needed, we’ll talk through expectations before making an introduction to ensure the experience feels respectful and balanced.
Who will Find Love Safely communicate with — the member or the caregiver?
We communicate based on the preferences established during enrollment and the intake call.
Depending on what’s been agreed upon, communication may include:
- The member directly
- A caregiver or support person
- Both, together
Clear communication expectations help ensure everyone feels informed and supported.
Can support involvement change after enrollment?
Yes. Support involvement is flexible and can change over time.
If circumstances shift or additional support becomes helpful, members or caregivers can contact us to update communication preferences.
Events & Community
Are events included?
Yes. All programs include free admission to local Find Love Safely events, when available in your area.
What if there aren’t many local events yet?
In newer cities, we offer free access to our virtual workshops for three months as a thank-you for joining early. These workshops, as well as the option to purchase one-on-one coaching sessions, provide connection and support while the local community grows. Events are added as membership expands.
Pricing & Billing
How much does a Find Love Safely membership cost?
Find Love Safely offers three membership options so families can choose the level of support that feels right. All memberships include personalized matchmaking and free admission to local events when available.
Core Program
- $349 per year
- Matchmaking-focused support
- Offered as an annual membership only
Essentials Program
- $1,299 per year or $129 per month (3-month minimum)
- Includes matchmaking plus twice-monthly live virtual workshops
- Caregiver email summaries after each workshop
Concierge Program
- $2,799 per year or $259 per month (3-month minimum)
- Includes everything in Essentials plus one monthly 1:1 coaching session
Optional one-on-one coaching sessions may also be added separately.
What are the refund and cancellation policies?
Find Love Safely provides ongoing, relationship-based services. For this reason, all membership fees and service fees are non-refundable once a membership term or service period has begun.
Cancellations
- All memberships are auto-renewing unless canceled in advance.
- You may cancel your membership at any time by contacting Find Love Safely in writing.
- If you cancel, your membership will remain active through the end of the current billing period, and you will not be charged again.
Refunds
- We do not offer refunds or credits for:
- Unused membership time
- Missed sessions
- Changes in participation
- Early cancellation
- This policy applies to annual memberships, monthly memberships, workshops, and one-on-one coaching sessions.
Coaching Sessions & Workshops
- Coaching sessions and workshops must be canceled in accordance with our scheduling and attendance policies.
- Missed sessions or late cancellations are not refundable and may be counted as used sessions.
Special Circumstances
We understand that unexpected situations may arise. While fees are non-refundable, we encourage members or caregivers to contact us if circumstances change so we can discuss next steps thoughtfully and respectfully.
Our goal is always to be fair, transparent, and supportive while maintaining the integrity of our programs.
Are all programs auto-renewing?
Yes. All Find Love Safely memberships are auto-renewing unless canceled before your renewal date.
- Annual memberships renew yearly
- Monthly memberships renew monthly
We send renewal reminders in advance, and you may cancel at any time by contacting our team. If you cancel, your membership remains active through the end of the current billing period.
Why isn’t the Core Program offered as a monthly membership?
Matchmaking is a thoughtful, relationship-based process that unfolds over time. Even at the Core level, our team spends time getting to know members, considering potential matches, and supporting introductions in a way that prioritizes safety and care.
An annual structure allows us to do this work without the pressure of short-term timelines and helps set realistic expectations for how matchmaking works.
Can we switch to monthly billing later?
Monthly billing is available for our Essentials and Concierge Programs, which include ongoing education and coaching. The Core Program is offered as an annual membership only.
I live in California, do you accept Self-Determination Program funds?
Yes. Find Love Safely accepts Self-Determination Program (SDP) funds in California and has been approved by several Regional Centers and Financial Management Services (FMS) providers.
Because SDP plans are individualized, funding approval and payment processes may vary. We recommend speaking with your service coordinator and FMS provider to confirm how Find Love Safely services can be included in your plan.
Our team is happy to provide documentation or answer questions to support the approval process when needed.
Availability and approval may vary by Regional Center and individual SDP plan.
New City Members
What does “new city thank-you” mean?
Members who join Find Love Safely in newly launched cities receive complimentary access to our live virtual coaching workshops for their first three months as a thank-you for joining early.
This is not a discount — it’s an added layer of support during the launch phase.
Which program is right for us?
Choosing the right level of support depends on where you (or your loved one) are right now. Many families start with one option and adjust over time — there’s no “wrong” choice.
Core Program may be a good fit if:
- You’re comfortable taking a slower approach to dating
- You already have strong communication and social skills
- You prefer minimal structure beyond introductions
- You want access to matchmaking and events without added programming
This option focuses on thoughtful introductions with light ongoing support.
Essentials Program (Most Popular) may be a good fit if:
- You’re new to dating or want more guidance
- You’d like help building confidence and communication skills
- You benefit from learning and practicing relationship skills
- You want caregivers to stay informed without attending sessions
This option offers the best balance of matchmaking and skill-building support.
Concierge Program may be a good fit if:
- You benefit from personalized, one-on-one guidance
- Dating brings up anxiety or uncertainty
- You want regular support processing experiences and building skills
- You prefer a highly personalized approach
This option provides the highest level of individualized support.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help.
Choosing relationship support is a meaningful decision. If you have questions, want help choosing a program, or would like to talk things through, we’re always happy to connect.