Welcome to the Foster Care Resource & Support Hub
Supporting you in your role as a foster or adoptive parent.
Drop-In Info Sessions
Each of our Hub partners has monthly “drop in” hours to orient you to their services, provide additional information, or simply be available. You can also reach our partners any time using the contact info provided on their page.
We'd love your feedback
During 2023, we will be updating and upgrading the Hub based on your feedback. If there’s something you’d like to see that isn’t available, or you have suggestions for improvement, please let us know.
We've categorized the resources and information as carefully as possible to give you easy access to what you need. If there is information that is missing or you can't access, don't be shy about getting in touch with your Family Support Navigator, Caitlin. She's just an email or phone call away!
Interacting with DCF
- Your role as a foster parent
- Family Resource Policy (2023)
- Contacting DCF
- Chain of command; what to do when you don’t feel heard
- Other available supports
Financial
- Stipend information and payment calendar
- Mileage & Reimbursement
- PACT & WIC
- Taxes
Childcare & Respite
- Daycare support
- Occasional babysitting
- Respite options
- Informal Childcare Program
Behavioral Health
- Short-term consultation program from A Home Within
- Children's Behavioral Health Initiative
- Accessing mental health services in MA
Family Support
- Available Hub partners to support your family
- Other support opportunities in MA
Medical
- Medical Social Workers
- Understanding Masshealth coverage
Legal
- Who's who in the court and legal system
- Court timelines and processes
- Resources from the Committee for Public Counsel Services
Education
- Foster parents' role in education
- Special education and foster care
- Hub Educational Specialist
Post-Adoption
- Hub Partner - Adoption Journeys
- Post-adoption subsidy & supports available
- Birth certificates, taxes, and social security cards
Enrichment
- Funding enrichment for children in foster care
- Grants available
- Wonderfund card
Birth Families
- Family Time Visits
- Navigating relationships with birth families
- Sibling contact
Other Issues
- 51-A filings and responses
- Fair Hearings
- Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)
The thirteen Hub program partners are featured below. Each has an introductory video or description about their services, a contact person, and monthly drop in hours.
If your service or organization is interested in being a Hub partner, let us know.