Our Children Need Us

At 18 Degrees we affirm our collective responsibility as a society to keep children safe and protect their well-being.

In Massachusetts, anywhere from 8,000 – 9,000 children experience foster care each year. However, there are only about 5,500 licensed foster homes statewide.

Fewer foster homes leads to less stability for children and may include fostering in a different part of the state, far from everything they are most familiar with, or care on an emergency basis that is very short-term. 

18 Degrees’ Healing Homes is an intensive foster care program in Western Massachusetts working in partnership with MA-Dept. of Children & Families to recruit, train, and support new foster parents to fill this need.

Look For Our Billboards Around Western Mass!

As of this week, 18 Degrees launched a campaign for foster parent recruitment.

Eight billboards (like this one on Rt. 7 in Lanesborough) will be on display across Western MA for the next month.

The Every Child Needs a Champion campaign is sponsored by Greylock Federal Credit Union.

You Can Help

Has it ever crossed your mind that you might be able to help a child or young adult during one of the most difficult experiences of their life?

18 Degrees is here to guide you on your journey towards becoming a licensed foster parent. Our Healing Homes staff provide attentive guidance, connecting you with the necessary training to support you on your journey and the child/children in your care.

Contact us at (413) 448-8281 or info@18degreesma.org to learn more.

“The people from 18 Degrees are unbelievably kind and I couldn’t have asked for better support. I even consider some of these people my family now.  My only regret is that I didn’t get involved sooner.”

– Mark, foster parent

What is Permanency?

Permanency refers to having stable, lifelong relationships and a sense of belonging, often within a family structure.

Our Permanency Team (a combination of our Healing Homes foster care and adoption management staff) provides dedicated and compassionate support. 

Stories from Permanency

Find more stories from Foster Care & Adoption in our

Annual Reports and past newsletters.

Other Ways to Help Children in Foster Care

Be an Advocate & Support Our Work

1. Help us reach others who might be willing and able to open their home.
2. Be a voice for children by raising awareness about their needs.
3. Share this email within your network – forward it to a friend.

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers advocate for children’s best interests, making a life-changing difference for children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect, many of whom are in foster care.

For more information about CASA or other volunteer programs, email our

Director of Volunteer Services, Amy Guachione or info@18degreesma.org.

Every contribution makes a difference and supports our mission:

We champion access, opportunity, belonging, and well-being for all people on their journey, helping to create thriving communities.