Steps to become a DCF foster parent

Foster parents give children a safe, nurturing and stable place for healing and an extended family to lean on until they can return to their own home. Learn how you can open your heart and home to a child in need.

DCF Foster Care/Adoptive Recruitment

The Details   of Steps to become a DCF foster parent

What you need   for Steps to become a DCF foster parent

You must meet standard eligibility requirements to be considered as a Department of Children & Families foster parent. 

 

How to start   Steps to become a DCF foster parent

Click here to introduce yourself, and a team member from the Department of Children and Families will contact you soon. They will help you find a DCF led information session that fits your schedule (virtual or in-person).

Next steps   for Steps to become a DCF foster parent

  1. Talk to DCF about your interest in becoming a foster parent

    Click here to introduce yourself, and a team member from the Department of Children and Families will contact you soon. They will help you find a DCF led information session that fits your schedule (virtual or in-person).

  2. Complete and sign your application

    DCF will provide you with an application and help you fill it out. On the application, you will provide information about yourself and your household and give your permission for DCF to access information and run background checks.

  3. Pass a safety check.

    DCF will visit your home for a physical standards check for room and safety and conduct a background check on everyone in your home.

  4. A social worker works with you to begin a Caregiver Assessment

    A social worker will begin to work with you, including making visits to your home, interviewing you and your household members and checking references.

  5. Attend training.

    Eligible foster parents will be registered for Massachusetts Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (MAPP) training. Trainings may be virtual and/or in-person. See the current MAPP schedule.

  6. DCF approves your home for foster care.

    Congratulations, you are ready to foster! DCF will work with you to match you with a child in need.

Downloads   for Steps to become a DCF foster parent

Contact   for Steps to become a DCF foster parent

Address
DCF Foster Care/Adoptive Recruitment
600 Washington St., 6th Floor, Boston , MA 02111

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