As a foster parent, partnering effectively with DCF is incredibly important. Your relationship with the social workers on your case is the most significant contact you will have with the child welfare system. Understanding the relationship between you and DCF can make or break your experience. Browse the resources below, many of which are excerpts from AOK's Guidebook. It's 87 pages of information about navigating your role as a foster parent in Massachusetts, and a resource you will come back to again and again.

Hub Partners:

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Related Resources

 

2023 Family Resource Policy Changes

In early 2023, DCF rolled out new policy that impacts the "Family Resource" team, the team that works directly with foster and preadoptive families. Family Resource Workers will now serve in one of three roles, whereas before they were doing all three simultaneously. This flyer from DCF explains the new policy and the changes to expect. You can also read more about the changes here: Introduction to the New Family Resource Policies and Positions.

Helpful Checklists

Ongoing Contact with DCF

Foster Care Review

Policy/Procedure Documents

Other Things: