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After a successful pilot program serving families in Central Massachusetts, MSPCC is expanding the Encompass program to work with foster families across the entire state of Massachusetts. Encompass provides support to foster parents using a comprehensive, multifaceted model. Foster parents are matched with trained and experienced foster parents who serve as Peer Trauma Coaches, providing 1:1 guidance in understanding how trauma affects children and serving as an empathetic source of support. The program also facilitates peer support groups, provides meal delivery and other support, and hosts in-person events for the whole family.

The need for Encompass’ services becomes especially clear when considering that, in one MSPCC survey, 50% of foster parents said they only receive support from family, friends and neighbors during emergencies, with 17% saying they never received regular support. Through this expansion, we hope to help ensure that foster families throughout the Commonwealth have the support they need to help children thrive.