How to Become a Foster Parent in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is always in need of loving foster parents — especially considering there are over 8,700 kids in foster care throughout the state.

If you want to help meet this need, understanding the requirements and the Massachusetts licensing process is a great way to start. 

The Role of a Foster Parent in Massachusetts

Understanding your role as a foster parent is essential — it’s a big step to take for you and a child in foster care in the Bay State. 

Here are some things you’ll need to provide and consider as a foster parent.

A Safe and Nurturing Environment

The best environment for a child in foster care is one that is secure, safe, and filled with love.

Foster parents, like biological parents, should ensure their home is a nurturing and welcoming place. 

They should provide essentials including healthy food, a cozy place to sleep, and opportunities for enjoyable hobbies and activities. A foster home should offer the basic comforts that enable a child to experience a stable life — for the first time in many cases of children in foster care.

Elizabeth Murrell, a foster parent, puts this beautifully in her letter to her child in foster care:

"Our home is a place where you can be yourself, where your thoughts and feelings will be valued, and where you will be treated with kindness and respect."

Building Positive Relationships

Teaching and modeling healthy relationships is vital for children in foster care. 

Foster parents can provide instrumental support for children in foster care to build connections with others and re-establish ties with biological parents when possible. 

For kids in foster care — especially those in therapeutic foster settings — forming bonds with others can initially be difficult. With a loving approach, you can assist children in developing better relationships and act as an ally and safe space for kids in foster care to take this step.

Addressing Emotional Needs of Kids in Foster Care

Children in foster care might have more complex emotional needs. As a foster parent, you will be equipped with training and abilities to help in their healing journey.

Children in foster care often need extra patience and assistance to handle their emotions, particularly if they've experienced trauma. 

Some children in foster care require specialized therapy services, included in their care plans. For example, Sevita’s office in Dedham, MA, offers a range of services for foster families. As a foster parent, you’ll play a role in ensuring they attend these sessions.

An Ally in Education

Massachusetts ranks within the top ten states in top-ranked colleges and universities — number 4, to be exact. Unfortunately, children in foster care are among those most likely to struggle with finishing high school and entering college as they grow up. 

Foster parents can play a pivotal role during these critical school years, offering the educational support these children need most.

They can also make a big difference in a child’s academic success by working together with teachers and other educational professionals. 

Preparing Children in Foster Care for Adulthood

All parents want their children to become happy and successful adults, and foster parents are no different! 

Foster parents play a vital role in nurturing a child's growth into a responsible adult. They offer emotional backing, teach crucial life skills, and give mentorship to teenagers in foster care. 

For example, they might support teens in learning how to manage their finances. This could include teaching them how to budget, save, and understand the resources available to them after leaving foster care. 

Aging out of foster care is a challenge in Massachusetts and other parts of the U.S. — there are between 600 and 1,000 children aging out in Massachusetts every year.

How to Become a Foster Parent in MA

If you can provide for a child in foster care and are inspired by the role you can play in a child’s life, then you’re ready to start your journey as a foster parent in Massachusetts!

1. Ensure You Meet the Basic Massachusetts Requirements for Foster Parenting

Before you fill out an application, you’ll need to meet these Massachusetts state requirements:

• You need to be at least 21 years old. 
• You must be a US citizen or have a Permanent Resident Card.
• You can be single or married — all orientations are welcome. The same applies to religion. 
• You must have a stable income source.
• You must rent or own a home that meets the standards of the DCF (Department of Children and Families).
• You must pass a background check.
• At least one person in the household must have a basic ability to read and write in English
• You must not have any animals in the home that could pose a danger to a child in foster care.
• You must have access to personal or public transportation.

Bedroom Requirements

When preparing your home for a child in foster care, Massachusetts has specific bedroom requirements to ensure everyone has enough space. Each child needs either 80 square feet in a private room or 100 square feet in a shared room. 

Room sharing is allowed when appropriate but with a maximum of two children per bedroom. Keep in mind that children over age one need their own bedroom — they cannot share with you as the foster parent. 

These rules apply to both children already in your household and children in foster care. During your home study, the DCF worker will check these requirements to make sure your home provides enough personal space for everyone.

2. Fill Out an Application

There are two different ways you can get the application process started:

Option 1: Through the Massachusetts Government

To independently begin the process, start by going to the Massachusetts government website.

Here, you’ll find a form to fill out that will get you in touch with a team member from the Department of Children and Families. 

Option 2: Working with an Independent Foster Care Organization 

If you prefer some guidance along the way, you can work with a partner in the process.

For example, Mentor Foster Care, a part of the Sevita family, helps prospective foster parents in Massachusetts with the application process to become foster parents.

Experts can also answer any questions you might have about fostering along the way.

The process of becoming a foster parent with support from experts typically moves much faster than trying to complete the process alone.

3. Attend Massachusetts Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (MAPP) Preservice Sessions

No matter where you are in the U.S., you'll need to complete some preservice sessions before becoming a foster parent. The details for these sessions vary by state — for Massachusetts, here's what you need to know.

Massachusetts preservice sessions for foster parents are known as the MAPP (Massachusetts Approach to Partnership in Parenting) program. The MAPP program is spread out over several weeks — it's broken down into 3-hour sessions for a total of 30 hours required by the state. 

Some of the topics covered during the sessions include communication, positive discipline, child guidance, and building self-esteem. You can check the MAPP schedule for session times — some are available on certain weekends.

4. Pass a Home Safety Check

Every foster parent in Massachusetts must pass a home study. The state of Massachusetts has its own set of home requirements that you’ll need to meet to become a foster parent. 

• During a home study, a DCF worker will ensure that your home is a safe and nurturing environment for a child.
• Your home must be safe from hazards — you’ll need to have a working fire extinguisher, working ventilation, hot water, plumbing, electricity, and heat.
• They will also discuss your family life, lifestyle, and reasons for wanting to be a foster parent. 
• View the full list of home requirements to ensure that you’re ready for a home study.

This step is not just a requirement; it's also an opportunity for you to reflect deeply on the decision to become a foster parent.

5. Begin your Caregiver Assessment with a Massachusetts Social Worker

Once you've started MAPP, you'll also begin working with a dedicated social worker who will conduct your caregiver assessment. This important step involves several components to ensure you're ready to welcome a child into your home.

Your assigned social worker will make multiple visits to your home, conduct interviews with you and everyone in your household, and check your personal references. This process helps them understand your family dynamics and how a child in foster care might fit into your home.

During this assessment, you'll need to submit several important documents:

• Medical reports for all household members
• Financial statements showing stable income
• Personal references from non-family members
• Birth certificates for everyone in your household
• Marriage license (if applicable)

These documents help the Department of Children and Families verify your stability and readiness to provide care. While paperwork might seem overwhelming, remember that your social worker is there to guide you through each step. 

They're not looking for perfect families — they're looking for caring, stable homes where children can thrive.

6. Pass a CORI background check

As part of becoming a foster parent in Massachusetts, everyone in your household who is 15 years or older must complete a background check. This includes a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check and fingerprinting. This step helps ensure that children are placed in safe homes.

The background check process is straightforward — your social worker will guide you through the paperwork and tell you where to go for fingerprinting. 

Don't worry if you have minor issues in your past. The Department of Children and Families understands that many great foster parents have overcome challenges in their lives. They're mainly looking for serious concerns that might affect a child's safety.

Once your background checks are complete, you're one step closer to welcoming a child into your home and making a difference in their life.

7. Receive Approval and Get Your License

After completing all the required steps — your application, MAPP courses, home study, background checks, and paperwork — the final step is receiving your official approval..

Once your social worker has gathered all the necessary information, they'll submit your file for final review. If everything meets the state's requirements, you'll receive your foster parent license! This exciting milestone means you're officially ready to welcome a child into your home.

Your license will include information about the age range, number of children, and any specific needs you're approved to support. While the waiting process might test your patience, remember that each step ensures children are placed in homes that can meet their needs.

When you receive your license, your social worker will discuss next steps and what to expect when a child is placed with you. They'll also provide resources and contact information for ongoing support. 

Congratulations — you're now ready to begin your journey as a foster parent in Massachusetts!

8. Continue Any Ongoing Preservice Sessions

Even after you receive your foster parent license, the learning doesn't stop. The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) requires all foster parents to participate in ongoing preservice sessions throughout their fostering journey.

These continuing education sessions help you stay up-to-date with the latest approaches in foster care and build additional skills to support the children in your home. You'll learn about important topics like trauma-informed care, managing challenging behaviors, and updates to foster care policies.

Most foster parents find these ongoing education sessions incredibly valuable. They give you practical tools for addressing real situations that come up when caring for children who have experienced trauma or separation from their families. 

They're also a great opportunity to connect with other foster parents and share experiences!

The Financial Side of Foster Parenting in MA

Being a foster parent is about providing love and support to children who need it most. 

Understanding the financial support available can help you plan better for welcoming a child in foster care into your home.

Monthly Stipends and Reimbursements

Foster parents in Massachusetts receive a daily stipend to help cover the costs of caring for a child. These rates range from $32 to around $100 per day, depending on the child's age and therapeutic needs. 

For example, caring for a teenager typically comes with a higher daily rate than caring for a younger child due to their different needs. Similarly, a child in therapeutic foster care may also have needs that dictate a higher rate. 

This money helps cover everyday expenses like:

• Food and snacks
• Clothing and shoes
• School supplies
• Personal care items
• Transportation costs
• Basic activities and entertainment

Additional Financial Support Programs

Beyond the daily stipend, Massachusetts offers several forms of financial support to help foster parents:

• Quarterly Clothing Allowance: You'll receive money four times a year specifically for buying clothes. This helps ensure children in care have weather-appropriate clothing and can feel confident at school.
• Birthday and Holiday Allowances: The state provides extra funds for birthdays and holidays, helping you make these occasions special for the children in your care.
• Special Needs Support: If you're caring for a child with medical needs or disabilities, additional funding is available to help cover specialized care and equipment.

Support and Resources for Foster Parents in Massachusetts

Being a foster parent is rewarding, but everyone needs help sometimes.  

Massachusetts offers many resources to support you on your fostering journey — you're never alone in this!

Local Support Groups and Networks

Having people who understand what you're going through makes all the difference. Massachusetts offers several ways to connect with other foster parents.

For example, the Massachusetts Alliance for Families (MAFF) runs regular support groups where you can meet other foster parents, share experiences, and get advice. These meetings happen both in-person and online, making it easy to join, no matter your schedule.

Education Resources

The Massachusetts Child Welfare Training Institute offers free workshops for parents throughout the year as an educational resource. They cover topics like:

• Helping children cope with trauma
• Managing challenging behaviors
• Supporting education success
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Working with birth families

Many of these sessions are available online, making it easier to fit them into your busy life.

Health Care and Mental Health Resources

Every child in foster care in Massachusetts gets MassHealth coverage, which includes:

• Regular medical care
• Dental services
• Mental health support
• Prescription medications

You'll also have access to resources for finding health care providers who understand the unique needs of children in foster care.

Educational Advocacy

School can be challenging for children in foster care, but you've got back-up.

Educational liaisons work with schools to ensure your child in foster care gets the support they need. They can help with:

• School enrollment
• Special education services
• Getting school records
• Supporting academic success

Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a Foster Parent in MA

New to fostering? You probably have questions — and that's a good thing! 

How much is the foster care stipend in Massachusetts? 

Foster parents receive a daily stipend ranging from $32 to around $100 per day, depending on the age and needs of the child. This money helps cover basic expenses like food, clothing, and daily care. 

Remember — this isn't a salary or an incentive to foster, but rather support to help you provide for the child in your care. You'll also receive additional allowances for clothing, birthdays, and holidays.

How much money do I need to make to be a foster parent? 

Massachusetts doesn't set a specific income requirement. You just need to show that you have a stable income and can support your current household expenses. 

The foster care stipend is meant to cover the costs of caring for a child in foster care, so you don't need to be wealthy — you just need to be financially stable.

How long does the process take to become a licensed foster parent in MA? 

The process typically takes 3-6 months from start to finish. Working with an organization can often help speed up the process. 

The timeline includes completing your MAPP sessions (30 hours total), home study, background checks, and necessary paperwork.

Can I choose the age or gender of the child I want to welcome into my home? 

While you can specify preferences for age or gender, foster care is ultimately about the well-being of the child. 

Foster care organizations can work with you to help you find the best possible placement for your household. 

Can I foster if I work full-time? 

Absolutely! 

Many foster parents work full-time jobs. You'll just need to have a solid plan for child care, just like any working parent. The foster care stipend can help cover child care costs.

Do I need to own my home to become a foster parent? 

No — renters can absolutely be foster parents.

Whether you rent or own, what matters is having a stable living situation and enough space to accommodate a child in foster care. Your home will need to meet basic safety requirements during the home study.

Can I foster if I have my own children? 

Yes! Many successful foster families include biological or adopted children. Experience in raising children can be helpful, and many children benefit from having siblings in their foster home. 

Your home study will look at how a child in foster care would fit into your existing family dynamic.

What medical coverage do children in foster care receive? 

All children in foster care in Massachusetts are automatically covered by MassHealth. This provides comprehensive health care including medical, dental, vision, and mental health services. 

You won't have to pay for any medical expenses.

Can I take a child in foster care on vacation? 

Yes, you can! 

You'll just need to get approval from DCF first, especially if you're traveling out of state. It's generally encouraged to include children in foster care in family activities and travel — it helps them feel like part of the family.

Get In-Depth Answers to Your Foster Parenting Questions 

Ready to change a child’s life in Massachusetts?

If so, there are experts and resources to accompany you on this journey.

Get the support you need every step of the way with The Beginners Guide to Foster Care.

You’ll gain an understanding of foster care basics, actionable tips to connect with children in foster care, and much more.