18 Degrees has helped families come together for over 100 years. We have the experience and compassion to help you through this process right from the beginning.
We welcome all kinds of families – regardless of gender, race, age, religion, marital status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, expression, or identity. We directly contract with the Department of Children and Families to provide safe and stable homes for children and youth experiencing foster care.
Our caring team is here to support and guide you through the process of becoming a foster parent, offering extensive training and ongoing assistance.
On any given day in Massachusetts, there are more than 8,000 children and teens in foster care, at no fault of their own. Yet there are only 5,500 licensed foster homes. Join us in making a difference—together, we can create a future where every child has the opportunity to feel a sense of belonging and well-being. Your compassion can transform lives; let us help you take that first step.
Why become a foster parent with 18 Degrees?
Becoming a foster parent takes time and commitment. We will walk you through the process and support your journey with:
- Weekly visits by our social worker
- 24-hour emergency on-call staff support
- Monthly training and support groups offered
- Clinical services with our licensed professionals
What can I expect?
From your first phone call to becoming a licensed foster parent takes time. During this period, you will
- Complete a CORI/Background Check
- Complete a home safety check and home study assessment
- Attend the Massachusetts Approach to Partnership in Parenting (MAPP) training
- Provide reference
Can I adopt a child in foster care?
18 Degrees is the only organization in Western MA providing adoption management services alongside the Department of Children and Families. Our team specializes in connecting children and youth who are legally free for adoption with pre-adoptive homes.
If you would like to make a permanent commitment to a child in foster care, you first must complete the process of becoming a licensed foster parent. Then our Adoption Management Team works to create a match. We won’t sugarcoat it. This can be a longer process, but we promise it will be worth it in the end!
I don't think I am ready to become a foster parent. How else can I help?
Even if you aren’t ready to become a foster parent, you can still help!
Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) with 18 Degrees. CASAs are volunteers advocating 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. Learn more about how you can volunteer with us.
Spread the word. Children and teens in our communities need safe and stable homes. Help raise awareness about the need in your networks and become familiar with the various ways people can help. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Be an advocate. 18 Degrees advocates for the best possible services for children and families through active participation in the Children’s League of Massachusetts. Learn more about the policy and advocacy we support.
Support our work. Make a gift to 18 Degrees. You can designate your support directly to Foster Care and Adoption.
“Being a foster/adoptive parent is, without a doubt, the most rewarding and loving experience I’ve ever had. Even in the most challenging days as a foster parent, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I couldn’t have asked for a better support group. The people from 18 Degrees are unbelievably kind and understanding. I even consider some of these people part of my family now. My only regret is that I didn’t get involved sooner:” – Mark, 18 Degrees Foster Parent
Contact Us Today
(413) 448-8281
info@18degreesma.org