Boston, Massachusetts needs more foster families to support children in care. Learn about the local need, foster care statistics, and how you can become a foster parent.
There is a growing need for foster families in Boston, Massachusetts.
Every day, children need safe places to stay when they cannot live at home. Some children enter foster care because their families are facing difficult challenges. Others need temporary care while their parents receive support and services.
Right now, there are not enough foster families in Boston, Massachusetts to meet the need. When foster homes are not available, children may have to move away from their school, friends, and community.
That is why more foster parents in Boston, Massachusetts are needed.
Children in Boston and across Suffolk County enter foster care each year and need caring adults who can provide temporary support and stability.
Recent Massachusetts data shows:
• 26,884 children under age 18 were receiving services from DCF
• 6,133 children were living in out of home placements
• More than 20,000 reports of possible abuse or neglect were received in just three months
• 39% of children in placement were living with relatives when possible
These numbers show that thousands of children across Massachusetts need safe and stable homes. While many children can stay with relatives, others rely on foster families when family placements are not available.
The need for foster families in Boston, Massachusetts remains strong. Local foster homes help children stay closer to their schools, friends, siblings, and communities during a difficult time.
Children enter foster care for many reasons.
Some families may be dealing with addiction. Others may be facing health problems, housing challenges, or other difficult situations. When children cannot safely stay at home, foster families provide care and support until they can return home or find another permanent living situation.
At the same time, there are not enough certified foster homes to meet the need. This is one reason why foster families in Massachusetts are so important.
If you are thinking about becoming a foster parent in Boston, Massachusetts, you can start by attending one of our free upcoming webinars to learn what the process looks like.
The need for foster families in Boston, Massachusetts is about more than numbers. It is about children in our community.
Across Massachusetts, more than 6,100 children are living in foster care and other out-of-home placements on any given day. Many of these children want to stay close to their school, family members, and community.
When there are not enough foster homes, children may have to move farther away from home. They may change schools, lose daily routines, or be separated from their brothers and sisters.
Local foster families help children stay connected to the people and places that matter most. They provide stability during a difficult time and help children feel safe, supported, and cared for.
In 2025, there were 6,533 youth in care in Massachusetts and only 3,029 licensed foster homes.
There are more children who need foster care than there are available foster homes. This means children may have to move farther away from their community, friends and families while waiting for placement.
Yes. Single adults can become foster parents if they meet state requirements and complete the certification process.
Yes. Foster parents receive skill development, ongoing support, and a monthly stipend to help meet a child's needs.
Teens and sibling groups are often among the children most in need of foster homes.
Therapeutic foster care provides extra support for children who have emotional, behavioral, or medical needs.
To become a foster parent in Massachusetts, adults must complete skill development, pass background checks, participate in a home study, and meet state certification requirements.
If you are considering becoming a Mentor foster parent, download our free Beginners Guide to Foster Care eBook. This guide explains the basics of foster care, answers common questions, and helps you understand what to expect.
Download your free guide today and learn how you can make a difference for children in Boston, Massachusetts.