Where is my child?

When DCF has custody, they choose where your child lives, but they must follow rules. Kids should live in safe, licensed homes that meet their needs, including special needs or disabilities. Brothers and sisters should stay together, unless it’s not safe. DCF should also try to place your child near your school and home. Older kids can share what they want. If you’re worried about where your child is living, talk to your lawyer.

If your child was removed due to an emergency, they may first be placed in an emergency placement for a brief period of time until a suitable situation is found.

DCF tries to place children with relatives because they believe it is less stressful, reduces trauma, and supports cultural and community connection. Your child may be placed with the other parent if that parent doesn’t live with you. Suitable relatives can also often best meet the child’s service needs or emotional needs, and this may be why DCF uses kinship care.

DCF may also place your child with “fictive kin” (close family, friends, or professionals in your child’s life).

If DCF cannot identify a relative or close family friend for your child to stay with, they will try to place them with a foster family.

DCF works hard to find the most suitable match between your child and a foster family. They take into account the foster family’s strengths and limitations, and the child’s personality, background, emotional health, and special needs. Ultimately, it is up to the foster family to agree to allow your child to live with them.

A foster parent must meet these minimum requirements:

• Be a Massachusetts resident 18 years of age or older

• Rent or own a home that meets DCF’s home safety standards

• Have a stable source of income

• Pass a background record check

Your child may be placed in a group home if a foster family cannot be identified, or your home is where children live together under the supervision of trained professional staff. If your child has behavioral health challenges, they may be placed in a residential treatment program so that these behaviors can be assessed and addressed. If your child has significant documented medical conditions, they may be placed in specialized foster care with people who have been trained to manage these conditions.

Foster parents are required to fill out Child Observation Logs and bring them to the Initial Placement Review Meeting.

Foster parents can ask for your child to be moved to a new home. You might not be told when this happens.