• About Our Children

    All of our children need the safety and structure of a loving family that offers the basic support systems that many of us take for granted.

  • Foster Care Overview

    The Department of Children and Families is committed to protecting children and strengthening families. We work first and foremost to keep families together.

  • Foster Care FAQs

    Frequently Asked Questions about Foster Care.

  • Being a Foster Parent

    The Department of Children and Families provides training to enhance parenting skills to help foster parents meet the challenge of foster parenting through "Massachusetts Approach to Partnerships in Parenting" (MAPP).

  • Becoming a Foster Parent

    Steps to take to become a foster parent.

  • Foster Care for Infants

    Information about Team Fresh Start, an innovative, collaborative Foster Care program for infants in the Greater Brockton area.

  • Foster Care/Adoption Informational Meetings

    The current listing of Foster Care/Adoption Informational Meetings and the Massachusetts Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (MAPP) Trainings

  • Foster Child Bill of Rights


  • Resources for Current and Prospective Foster Parents

    There are many resources available from DCF and other referral organizations which provide guidance and support services to prospective and current foster parents

  • Short Term Foster Care

    There are a number of ways to help children in foster care. These options work well for people who sincerely want to help our children, but are not able to make the time commitment for longer term care.

  • Foster Care Publications

    These publications are designed to help Foster Parents understand DCF policies and procedures as well as support them through the day-to-day care of foster children.

  • Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)

    Outlines the process that states have to ensure consistent protection and services to children who are placed across state lines.

  • Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)

    The Indian Child Welfare Act has been in effect since 1978, and was enacted by Congress to protect the best interests of Native American Children and to promote stability and security of federally recognized Native American tribes.

  • Email Us about Foster Care or Adoption