Kid’s Net

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

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

KINnections

Available in Metro Boston

As part of the Kid’s Net program, KINnections focuses on providing support and respite to grandparents raising their grandchildren. The program provides support groups, informational resources, and camp scholarships.

KINnections Featured in Boston Seniority Magazine.

Contact a Kid’s Net Director for More Information

General inquiries: Contact Us!  kidsnet@mspcc.org