foster parenting
2023 Family Resource Changes
In late 2022, DCF unveiled changes to its Family Resource policies. The Family Resource Department is the group of people who license and support foster and preadoptive families (including kinship families). Policies relating to Family Resource are being “unbundled” in two ways. Family Resource Policy First, the “Family Resource Policy” document – the guidelines that…
Read MorePost-Adoption Subsidy
When a child is adopted through DCF, there are ongoing financial supports that remain after the adoption is legalized. If you have questions about post-adoption issues, don’t be shy about reaching out to AOK or contacting our Resource and Support Hub Partner, Adoption Journeys. MassHealth All children adopted through foster care in Massachusetts are…
Read MoreChildcare & Respite Options Through DCF
As a foster parent, there are times when we need someone else to watch our children. Whether to run child-free errands, for a night out, or when you just need a break. Accessing childcare for a child in foster care isn’t as straightforward as it is for children in traditional families. Here are four types…
Read MoreAppeals, Hearings, and Other Terms
The Appeals Process An appeal is the biological parent’s effort to overturn the Court’s decision, typically on termination of parental rights. The appeal is usually heard by a single justice or panel at the Appeals Court, which is the middle tier of the court system in Massachusetts. You can reasonably expect an appeal to add…
Read MoreThe Role of Foster Parents in Court
The foster parent is not a party to the case, meaning the foster parent has no right to participate directly in it through an attorney. The foster parent may, however, be a witness in the case, called by DCF’s or the child’s attorney. By statute, foster parents have some limited rights: to notice of any…
Read MoreThe Court Process
Adapted from AOK’s Guidebook, “It Takes a Village“ Many people are surprised to learn about the intricate link between the child welfare and Juvenile Court systems in Massachusetts. While DCF often removes children from their custodial parents on an emergency basis without court involvement, before a parent can be deprived of custody of their child…
Read MoreThe Legal System in MA: Who’s Who?
Adapted from AOK’s Guidebook, “It Takes a Village“ Many people are surprised to learn about the intricate link between the child welfare and Juvenile Court systems in Massachusetts. So Many Attorneys There is typically no shortage of attorneys involved in a DCF case: parents’ attorneys, children’s attorneys, and DCF attorneys. You will notice that there…
Read MoreWhat is a Fair Hearing?
Adapted from the AOK Guidebook, It Takes a Village. The Fair Hearing Unit is housed in the Office of General Counsel, at the DCF Central Office in Boston. They act as an arbiter between DCF and any party who is dissatisfied with certain DCF actions or inactions. Like the Special Investigations Unit, the Fair Hearing…
Read MoreNavigating a 51-A: An Overview
Adapted from the AOK Guidebook, It Takes a Village. A 51-A is a reported allegation of abuse or neglect. It is termed “51-A” because that is the section of the statute in child welfare law that discusses allegations of abuse or neglect and how to handle them. These reports are often the mechanisms that result…
Read MoreClaiming a Foster Child on Your Taxes
Adapted from the AOK Guidebook It Takes a Village. Before we provide information about taxes, we need to acknowledge two things. First, tax law is constantly changing and the rules that govern taxes today might not be the same that will govern taxes next year. Second, we encourage you to consult with a professional tax…
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