Encompass: Community and Collaboration for Foster Families
Foster parents are critical to Massachusetts’ child welfare system. The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC) is working to support foster parents in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children in foster care through our newest program, Encompass: Community and Collaboration for Foster Families.
At MSPCC, we believe communities share a responsibility for the safety and well-being of these children as well as a commitment to stand with those individuals who care for them. That’s why we’re the lead agency on this innovative new program to engage and mobilize community volunteers to support foster parents in Central Massachusetts by giving of their time and donating tangible goods.
With the help of The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, MSPCC brought together a diverse group of professionals and child welfare organizations to develop a foster parent support model. Encompass builds upon the strengths of a community and equips foster parents with knowledge, skills, and resources to support the needs of the children in their care.
In a recent survey conducted by MSPCC, 50% of foster parents say they only receive support from family, friends and neighbors during emergencies, with 17% saying they never receive regular support. Encompass is here to change that.
Through Encompass, foster families have access to:
- 1:1 Peer Trauma Coaching with a trained and experienced foster parent
- Skill-enhancement peer support groups with other local families
- Meal and care box delivery through volunteers and community partners
- In-person events for the whole family!
You can learn more about Encompass by clicking here.