Foster care (also known as out-of-home care) is a temporary service provided by each state for children who cannot live with their families. Children in foster care may live with relatives or with unrelated foster parents. Foster care can also refer to placement settings such as group homes, residential care facilities, emergency shelters, and supervised independent living.
In Massachusetts, foster care is managed by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). It is designed as a temporary arrangement for children who are unable to live with their biological families due to safety concerns, abuse, neglect, or other issues. Foster care placements can include living with certified foster parents, relatives (often referred to as kinship care), or in residential care facilities such as group homes. The goal of the foster care system in Massachusetts is to provide a safe, nurturing, and stable environment for children while working towards family reunification whenever possible. If reunification is not feasible, the state may seek other permanent solutions, such as adoption. Foster parents in Massachusetts must undergo a licensing process that includes training, background checks, and home assessments to ensure they can provide a suitable environment for children in care.