MSPCC’s Kid’s Net Program provides a range of services to connect foster, pre-adoptive, and kinship families to the information, resources, respite and support networks they need to address the unique challenges that come with raising foster children. Services are available to foster families throughout Massachusetts.
Kid’s Net Brochure: English | Spanish
Kid’s Net After-Hours Helpline: (800) 486-3730
MSPCC offers a telephone helpline that provides emergency assistance to foster, kinship and pre-adoptive families when DCF offices are closed. The helpline is staffed by social workers experienced in foster care issues. They can provide telephone support to help resolve after-hours situations. The helpline is open 5 P.M. to 9 A.M., Monday-Friday and 24 hours on weekends and holidays.
Helpline Rack Card: English | Spanish
Training
Kid’s Net provides training throughout the state with topics specific to the issues facing foster, adoptive and kinship families. Click below for our Statewide Virtual Training Calendar!
Support Groups & Resources
Kid’s Net provides support groups and resources throughout the state with topics specific to the issues facing foster, adoptive and kinship families. Click on your region below to access your office’s Support Group & Resource Calendars!
Family Resource Liaisons
Family Resources Liaisons (FRLs) are experienced foster, adoptive or kinship parents who offer information, support and mentoring to other parents. Find the Family Resources Liaison Directory here.
FRL Rack Card: English | Spanish
Respite
Everyone needs a break from parenting once in a while, and respite is an important way to ensure that parents are able to take care of themselves, so they can continue to care for their children. Respite is a planned time-out or vacation for DCF foster and pre-adoptive parents. Families can receive up to ten nights of paid respite each year.
Respite Rack Card: English | Spanish
Short-Term Child Care
Planned, short-term, day and evening care provided in licensed childcare homes or reimbursement of a DCF approved caretaker is available to allow foster, pre-adoptive and kinship families to attend to foster care-related or personal business; provide a break from parenting; and to meet other needs that impact the overall stability of the family.
Child Care Rack Card: English | Spanish
Babysitting
Babysitting reimbursement for DCF approved caregivers is available for up to 10 hours per month. Foster parents should work with their Family Resource Worker to ensure their desired caregiver is approved in the DCF system. The foster parent is responsible for communicating with the caregiver and ensuring they are available on the date/times care is needed.
Babysitting Rack Card: English | Spanish
Information Regarding the 51A/B Process
When someone expresses concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child in your care, going through the response process can be difficult, demanding, stressful and painful all at the same time. Information about what to expect and where to turn to for support, please see this document.
Additional Resources:
Contact a Kid’s Net Director for More Information
Boston
Waetie-Sanaa Burnette
Phone: 781 296-7869
Email: wburnette@eliotchs.org
Northern
Kelley Roy
Phone: (978) 681-9515
Email: kroy@mspcc.org
Western
Amneris Figueroa
Phone: (413) 530-1727 or
(413) 747-0040
Email: afigueroa@mspcc.org
Central
Eric Schofield
Phone: (339) 368-9417
Email: eschofield@mspcc.org
Southern
Joe Sandagato
Phone: (857) 293-3392
Email: jsandagato@mspcc.org