May 2014Vol. 15, No. 5Becoming a Foster Parent in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families has developed a new guide for prospective foster parents. This resource provides answers to common questions about the children in care, as well as the licensing process in the State. Some questions answered in the guide include the following:
- Who are the children awaiting foster care?
- How long do children stay in foster care?
- Is there any contact with the child’s parents?
- What are the requirements?
- Are there support services available?
The guide also highlights critical areas of foster parenting such as the Massachusetts Approach to Partnership in Parenting (MAPP) training, which is designed to help parents acquire skills that can help make foster parenting more successful. Particular attention is also given to some of the desirable qualities of a foster parent and the availability of financial assistance and supportive services, such as an afterhours toll-free helpline.
Your Guide to Foster Parenting in Massachusetts is available on the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families website:
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dcf/foster-parenting-guide.pdf (142 KB)