By Nancy Kinder, Supervisor, MA Department of Children & Families, Southern Regional office
When considering adoption, adoption through foster care has proven to be a great option for many people looking to expand their families. Making the choice to adopt a child from foster care is a decision that requires people, and families, to understand their strengths and determine whether or not they are prepared to adopt a child who will have a history of abuse and neglect. Children adopted through the Department of Children and Families (DCF) will also have additional supportive services and resources available to help them and their adoptive families work through any issues together that may arise.
For families who decide adoption from DCF is an option they wish to explore, there are several factors to take into consideration:
- There are children of all ages, both male and female, and children of various ethnic and racial backgrounds. However, many of the children awaiting adoption through DCF may be older or part of a sibling group.
- All families must attend MAPP (Massachusetts Approach to Parenting Partnerships).
- All families must complete a home study conducted by DCF.
- There is no charge for the MAPP training or home study.
- Families must meet general requirements in terms of safety standards and available bedroom space.
- Once the eligibility, training and home study are established, the family will then be considered as a waiting family.
- It is important for families to understand that we match the child to your family and we are looking for permanent matches that will continue on throughout life.
- When it is determined to be in the best interest of the child, DCF seeks to maintain relationships between the child and his/her birth family; we seek adoptive families who will also support that goal when appropriate.
Many children across the Commonwealth are in need of permanent, loving families and if you are interested in learning more, please call 1-800-KIDS-508 for more information. Social Workers are available to speak with you and answer questions. Following this discussion, many people choose to attend an informational session to learn more about the adoption process. Adoption informational sessions are scheduled regionally and throughout the month for convenience.
Upcoming Information Sessions:
Department of Children and Families, Boston Region
Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
DCF Boston, 451 Blue Hill Avenue, Dorchester, MA
CONTACT: Marsha Donovan, LCSW, 617-989-9209
No registration required
Department of Children and Families, Western Region
First Tuesday of every month, 4:00-6:00 PM
140 High St., 5th floor, Springfield, MA
CONTACT: 413-452-3369
Department of Children and Families, Southern Region
Meetings scheduled in Taunton, MA from 6:30 PM to 8:00PM:
All Taunton meetings held at Morton Hospital, 88 Washington Street, Taunton, MA in the Margaret Stone Conference Room, on the first floor.
- Thursday December 19, 2013
- Thursday January 23, 2014
- Thursday February 20, 2014
- Thursday March 20, 2014
- Thursday April 17, 2014
- Thursday May 15, 2014
- Thursday June 19, 2014
Meetings scheduled in Canton, MA from 6:00PM to 8:00PM:
Canton meetings are held at the Canton Police Station at 1492 Washington St Canton, MA 02021 in the upstairs community/conference room
- Monday December 16, 2013
- Monday January 13, 2014
- Monday February 24, 2014
Please RSVP for the date that is convenient for your family at 508-894-3830
For additional information, please visit the Department of Children and Families website at www.mass.gov/dcf. For families who are exploring various adoption programs, DCF welcomes inquiries to help families evaluate whether a foster care adoption is right for your family.
Nancy Kinder, Supervisor, DCF Southern Regional office, has been with DCF for 19 years and has supervised the Regional adoption program for the last 9 1/2 years. Her team of eight social workers works with families who would like to build their family through a foster care adoption.