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 stable and loving foster homes.
Interested in becoming a foster parent? Complete the foster care inquiry form and one of our Homefinders will reach out to you.
When children and teens come to us, we carefully match their needs with foster families who have knowledge, training, experience, and a willingness to learn more to provide meaningful support. In these safe and stable homes, healthy connections form. Children overcome hardships, regain confidence, and learn valuable life skills. Together, we help children believe in themselves and their futures again.
Fostering is a significant life decision that affects your entire household. While rewarding, it brings real challenges. We encourage you to discuss what fostering will mean with those closest to you before taking this important step.
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Most adults can become foster parents if they can provide a safe, stable, and supportive home for a child.
To qualify in Massachusetts, you generally must:
Our Homefinding team will walk you through a brief eligibility checklist before you begin the application process. The goal isn't to rule people out—it's to ensure children are placed with caregivers who are prepared to help them heal and thrive.
Yes! Foster parents come from many different backgrounds and family structures.
You can foster if you're:
What's most important is having a strong support system and a schedule that allows you to meet a child's needs. If you're parenting on your own, we'll talk with you about who can help with transportation, appointments, or occasional childcare.
Every family's experience is different, and we'll help determine what placement is the best fit for your household.
You don't have to own your home to foster. Whether you rent or own, your home simply needs to meet Massachusetts licensing standards and provide a safe place for a child.
Some of the requirements include:
Pets are welcome as long as they're safe, healthy, and properly cared for. Dogs must be licensed with your city or town and up to date on required vaccinations.
If your home needs a few adjustments before licensing, we'll work with you to create a plan.
Yes. If you're unsure, we encourage you to reach out.
Many people assume they're ineligible when they may actually qualify. Every situation is different, and our Homefinding team is happy to answer your questions confidentially.
Some criminal or DCF histories may not prevent someone from becoming licensed, while others are prohibited by state regulations. During the licensing process, all required background checks are completed and reviewed.
Our goal is to help families understand the requirements—not discourage them from exploring foster care.
Throughout the process, your Homefinder will guide you every step of the way and answer any questions you have.
Most families become licensed in about six to eight months.
The timeline depends on several factors, including background check processing, scheduling interviews and training, gathering required documents, and completing home visits.
While the process takes time, it's designed to prepare foster parents and ensure children are placed in safe, well-supported homes.
MAPP (Massachusetts Approach to Partnerships in Parenting) is required for all prospective foster and adoptive parents in Massachusetts.
The training includes six live classes along with independent learning activities between sessions. You'll learn about:
MAPP is designed to help you decide whether foster care is the right fit while preparing you for the challenges and rewards of fostering.
Children in foster care range from infants to young adults up to age 21.
They come from every race, culture, religion, and family background. Many have experienced trauma, loss, or neglect before entering care, and many have siblings or mental health needs.
Above all, they're children who need safety, stability, encouragement, and caring adults who believe in them.
Each child's story is unique, and every child deserves the opportunity to heal and thrive.
Every situation is different.
Some children stay with a foster family for only a few weeks or months, while others remain for several years. On average, children stay in foster care for about 18 months.
Throughout that time, the goal is to find a safe, permanent home. That may include:
Foster parents provide a safe, stable home while supporting a child's emotional, educational, and medical needs.
Responsibilities may include:
Above all, foster parents offer consistency, patience, and unconditional support during a difficult time in a child's life.
You're never expected to foster alone.
JRI provides ongoing support through:
Our team partners with foster families throughout every placement, providing guidance whenever challenges arise.
Foster parents receive a daily foster care stipend to help cover the cost of caring for a child.
The stipend is intended to pay for expenses such as:
Children also receive health insurance through the state. Additional assistance may be available for clothing, school supplies, camps, and holiday gifts through DCF, JRI, and community partners.
The foster care stipend is reimbursement for a child's needs—not income for the foster parent.
There is no cost to apply, become licensed, or complete required training.
However, foster parents should expect some upfront expenses, including:
Our team will explain what your home needs before licensing, and we'll help you prepare every step of the way.
Long-term foster care means a child lives with you full-time while you provide daily care, attend appointments, support school needs, and help them work toward permanency.
Respite care provides short-term care—often for a weekend or a week—to give another foster family a temporary break.
Respite is a great option for people who want to make a difference but have busier schedules or are interested in gaining experience before committing to long-term fostering.
Yes—many foster parents work full-time.
The key is having enough flexibility and support to meet a child's needs. Foster parents often attend appointments, school meetings, therapy sessions, and family visits during the week.
Many families rely on spouses, relatives, friends, or other approved caregivers to help with transportation and childcare when needed.
During the licensing process, we'll talk with you about your work schedule and support network to determine what types of placements are the best fit for your family.
When you become a foster parent at JRI, you will receive:
Interested in becoming a foster parent? Complete the inquiry form.
Referrals for foster care placements come from the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.
Robert Costa
Program Director
99 South Main Street, Suite 301 Fall River, MA 02721
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