JRI Fostercare Blog

Articles related to: Eligible to Foster

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Foster Care: Eligibility Criteria

By Courtney Edge-Mattos on May 16, 2025

Who is eligible to become a foster parent?

This is a question we are often asked. Let’s dive into some of the specifics!

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts licenses or authorizes contracted agencies to license foster and adoptive parents in our state. There are specific criteria that must be met in order to qualify to apply. Once you qualify to apply, the assessment begins.

Let’s start with the application qualifications in this post, and we will

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A Blog to Support Foster Parents

Our foster care program is rooted in the principle that every child deserves to feel safe, to be nurtured, and to thrive. Our foster families and staff are committed to maximizing each child's potential within our stable and loving foster homes.

Remember:

Stable homes nurture neglected children.
Compassionate homes mend painful pasts.
YOUR home can change the life of a child.

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please complete our foster care interest form.

Preparing for An Arrival

You’ve taken the classes. You’ve been fingerprinted, interviewed, reference-checked. You’ve watched the “Removed” movie fourteen times. You’ve read blogs and

Helping Hands

There are so many wonderful people out there who want to support the children and families with whom we work.

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Do you have a question about JRI services?

(508) 468-6042

navigator@jri.org

Rachel has been a part of the JRI team since January, 2000. For over 20 years, Rachel has been working in the field of human services assisting families with accessing and navigating services. Rachel received her Bachelors degree in psychology and Masters Degree in Public Administration from Bridgewater State University. She was promoted in July 2005 to Family Networks Program Director where she closely worked with the Department of Children Families for 10 years ensuring that children and families received the highest quality of individualized services ranging from community based through residential care. Rachel is very dedicated to helping the individuals she works with and is committed to improving the lives of children and families. Rachel’s passion for creative service programming inspires her in her role as JRI Service Navigator.