Post-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…

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Childcare & 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…

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Why Is Foster Care So Hard?

Adapted from the AOK Guidebook, “It Takes a Village.” There are numerous reasons foster parenting is inherently more stressful than parenting in general. These fall into four main categories: the children, social support factors, financial issues, and the child welfare system. The Children Children who have experienced foster care are more likely to have behavioral,…

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How to Advocate for Yourself as a Foster Parent

Adapted from AOK’s Guidebook, “It Takes a Village“ Being a part of the foster care system is never an easy or straightforward experience. Inevitably, you will encounter challenges you weren’t expecting, surprises you’re not sure how to handle, and difficult situations that leave you wondering about the best course of action. Of course, we won’t…

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Supports Available for Foster Families in Western MA

*Adapted from the AOK Guidebook, It Takes a Village. Foster and adoptive families have access to various types of resources and supports that help to meet the needs of children. Supports and resources that are available in the area are constantly changing. If there is something you need that is not listed here, contact us…

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The Magic of Coming Together

  The forecast is for thunderstorms, gusty winds, and a chance of hail. Not ideal conditions for a summer gathering at a local park, to say the least. For any other party, most people would have stayed home. But this is no ordinary party. Because what happens when foster and adoptive families come together to…

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