Participation in the Massachusetts Approach to Partnership in Parenting (MAPP) curriculum is required of all prospective foster and adoptive families in Massachusetts. Caregiver Training is offered both by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and contracted adoption agencies. MARE does not offer Caregiver Training. After a prospective family’s application has been submitted to an agency and preliminary screenings are met with approval, families will be invited to attend the ten week training.
The training curriculum prepares adults to adopt a child from foster care who has experienced neglect and abuse. The training covers such topics as communication, building self-esteem, child guidance, understanding behaviors, and working with agencies and courts. The training will also include discussions about the children who are waiting to be adopted and resources and support available to you as an adoptive family.
Learn MoreTime: Wednesdays Evenings
Dates: May 6th (6:00-7:30pm) and May 20th, June 3rd, June 17th, July 1st and July 15th (6:00-9:00pm)
We will begin the new MAPP module. The MAPP class includes six virtual training sessions, with approximately 3 to 5 hours of online self-paced learning required before each session. Families must attend all sessions.
To register, please email Carolina Menendez at cmenendez@rfkcommunity.org
Fall 2026 MAPP
Time: Wednesdays Evenings (6:00PM-9:00PM)
Dates: September 23rd, October 7th, 21st, November 4th,18th, December 2nd
To register, please email Carolina Menendez at cmenendez@rfkcommunity.org
What is MAPP Training?
MAPP stands for the Massachusetts Approach to Partnership in Parenting and is the state mandated pre-adoptive parent training. This is a class that must be attended by all pre-adoptive parents and is intended to help pre-adoptive parents understand the impact of abuse and neglect on children and the needs of these children; identify the skills necessary to be a successful adoptive parent of a foster child(ren); and determine whether adopting a foster child(ren) is a good fit for you and your family. MAPP Class involves 6 virtual training sessions with approximately 3 to 5 hours of online self-paced learning required before each training session. You must be available to attend all sessions and commit to doing the online learning. MAPP Class is currently being offered three or four times a year via Teams on weekday evenings.
The following informational or training events are hosted by agencies that work in partnership with MARE, listed by region. Contact the host for additional information or registration.
If you are within a 45 to 60-minute drive of Cambridge, consider working with Bridges Homeward who licenses families for adoption from foster care and MARE’s Weekend Family Connections Program. You can book a one-on-one info session with a member of their family services team by clicking here.
This event occurs every third Thursday of the Month. Learn more about the foster care and adoption process through the Department of Children and Families from the comfort of your own home! These meetings will be held virtually through WebEx on the third Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:00 PM
Please RSVP via email to Carolla Sanderson at carolla.sanderson@mass.gov and you will receive the call in details.
For questions, please contactcarolla.sanderson@mass.gov
This event occurs every second Wednesday of the Month. The Central Regional ADLU hosts a virtual Informational the second Wednesday of every month from 6:00 -7:00 pm. The Informational requires pre-registration. Once registered, an applicant will be sent the WebEx link to participate.
For registration please email Jennifer Neely at jennifer.neely@mass.gov
Adoptive Families Together – MSPCC Jamaica Plain Support Group
JRI Office, 3313 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain
Free Childcare Provided
1st Friday of the month, 6:30PM-8:30PM
Due to the 4th of July holiday, July's AFT meeting will be held on 7/11/25 instead.
AFT provides education, advocacy, training, and support to families about topics unique to the adoption experience. Our groups include parents who have adopted children of all ages and races, domestically and internationally, children placed with other family members, and children with special needs. We also welcome adopted individuals, birth parents, foster parents, guardians & adults at any stage of the adoption process.
This is an on-going, FREE group that meet once a month. Feel free to drop in. For more info, contact Sybil Turk at 617.352.8898 or sturk@mspcc.org
Are you a foster parent's extended family or friend? Your own experience can have emotional and practical challenges. Join 2N's facilitated conversations to discuss common worries, gain understanding and develop tools.
Join other foster grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends on Zoom to share experiences, practical tools and emotional support.
Tuesdays 4-7pm and Wednesdays 7-10pm
- Nov 11, 19
- Dec 9, 17
- Jan 6, 21
- Feb 3, 25
- March 3, 25
- April 14, 29
- May 6, 26
Wednesdays 7-210pm
Foster and Fost-Adopt of Kids with Special Needs Have Our Own Special Needs
Find Support, Connection & Understanding in 2N's Zoom Space with other foster and fost-adopt parents of kids with special needs. Led by Dr. Dina Rosenfeld.
Second Tuesday of each month, 8pm ET
RSVP via "events" at www.2nurture.org