Foster to Adopt in Massachusetts

JackieK1013

We have just started looking into adoption. So far I've been thinking we would go through DCF and foster-to-adopt. Has anyone had experience with this in the state of MA? Any advice? We are hoping for a child under the age of one with the understanding that it could be a LONG wait. Would we have a better chance of being matched if we went through a private agency?

MileHighMaam

I'm not from MA, I can share what I learned for CO.   The primary goal of the state/county is for re-unification, especially for children under the age of 10.    The counties we talked to would not even accept applications for foster-to-adopt under age 10, they would only accept applications for fostering.    We went with a private agency as a result.   They have a dedicated foster to adopt program, but anybody wanting a child under 1 year is put into the foster program.   At that young of an age it is very very rare that parental rights will be terminated.   Most will still be working towards a goal of reunification so you have to be willing to foster with the understanding that the child may end up back with the parents or another family member.   

mommabmb

MileHighMaam said:

I'm not from MA, I can share what I learned for CO.   The primary goal of the state/county is for re-unification, especially for children under the age of 10.    The counties we talked to would not even accept applications for foster-to-adopt under age 10, they would only accept applications for fostering.    We went with a private agency as a result.   They have a dedicated foster to adopt program, but anybody wanting a child under 1 year is put into the foster program.   At that young of an age it is very very rare that parental rights will be terminated.   Most will still be working towards a goal of reunification so you have to be willing to foster with the understanding that the child may end up back with the parents or another family member.   

I just wanted to share with you that this is the experience we see in Georgia, as well. I believe most states shoot for reunification with some form of family for the first several years. Georgia is 3, however, instead of the 10 @milehighmaam mentioned she experienced in CO.