Learn about foster care in Massachusetts, including foster parent stipends, requirements, and resources for supporting children in foster care.
Becoming a foster parent in Massachusetts is more than a chance to provide a nurturing home for children in foster care. It’s an opportunity to change the course of a child’s entire life for the better.
The demand for foster families in Massachusetts is high — especially since there are approximately 5,100 licensed foster homes in the state but significantly more children in foster care. Raising a child comes with different costs. Healthy food, clothing, and recreational activities are all essential for their upbringing. Prospective foster parents in Massachusetts are eligible for a stipend which assists in managing these costs.
This financial assistance from the state of Massachusetts is intended solely for raising a child in foster care. Becoming a foster parent is not employment or a job — it’s an opportunity to make a difference.
It’s estimated that more than 10,000 children in Massachusetts are waiting for a place to call home. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is working tirelessly to find loving families for each one.
These children come from all backgrounds and ages — from infants to teenagers — and each has their own unique story and needs.
Just like many other U.S. states, the amount of the foster care stipend in Massachusetts can vary based on two key factors:
In Massachusetts, the stipend is calculated on a daily basis. As children in foster care get older, the amount also increases — this is because older children often have different needs.
Unfortunately, many children in foster care have experienced trauma. Providing for a child who is healing from neglect or abuse may require additional, specialized support. The same applies to children with complex medical needs.
In such situations, foster parents in Massachusetts might receive a higher stipend to ensure they can offer the best care possible.
Why spend hours researching when you can know in minutes? This quick qualification quiz cuts through the confusion to tell you if you meet the basic requirements to foster in your state.
In Massachusetts, effective as of July 1, 2023, the DCF provides a daily stipend with rates as follows:
Aside from the base stipend, the state will also provide $50 each year to help pay for a birthday gift. During the holiday season, you will also receive $100 to help pay for any holiday gifting.
For foster parents in Massachusetts, there are other financial support options available as well.
Massachusetts provides a set amount to foster parents to help pay for clothing for a child in foster care. This payment comes once every three months for every child in care in your home.
The amounts are:
Properly fitted clothing that is seasonally appropriate is important — especially in Massachusetts, where temperatures can drop below freezing. This additional stipend supports your ability to care for a child.
All children in foster care in Massachusetts are entitled to comprehensive health benefits through MassHealth. This includes:
Children in foster care under five years old also qualify for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program. This program offers several benefits to young children and their caregivers, such as:
Foster parents to a teenager may receive some additional benefits. The best option is to reach out to your foster case worker, and they can tell you more about qualifying for Adolescent Outreach Services.
Beyond financial support, Massachusetts (along with your chosen foster care organization) offers extensive resources to help you succeed:
With 29 DCF area offices across the state, you're never far from the support you need.
Local offices partner with community organizations to provide additional resources, from mentoring programs to educational advocacy.
Together, this network ensures that both foster parents and children in foster care have the support they need to thrive!
If you're thinking about becoming a foster parent in Massachusetts, you're taking the first step toward making a real difference in a child's life.
Here are the requirements to get started:
When deciding to become a foster parent, it's natural to have questions about the requirements, financial support, and resources available to you.
Get answers specific to your situation. Talk to a foster care expert for personalized insights about the requirements covered here, next steps, and what you can expect when starting your foster parenting journey.
You don't need to be a superhero — just someone willing to love and nurture a child in foster care.
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