Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Teri Gonzaga Barroso is the head of people strategy and operations at Tamr. Teri Barroso is also a foster parent to children in crisis.
Becoming a foster parent is one of the most important things someone can do to improve the life of a child. In Massachusetts, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is committed to matching children with the right foster family, taking into account the family’s strengths and limitations while also considering the child’s personality, history, and emotional and physical needs.
The general process involves three steps. First, a family resource worker reaches out to the foster family about taking in the child. During this conversation, the family can ask as many questions as they need to about the possible placement Second, the family resource worker arranges a pre-placement visit, so the family and child can meet. This step is not always possible in situations where immediate placement is necessary. Finally, if the family accepts the child, they must sign a child placement agreement, which includes information about the child, a summary of the foster family responsibilities and the responsibilities of the DCF and social worker, and a form that must be completed every six months to ensure the child’s needs are being met.
To learn more about this process, visit https://www.mass.gov/service-details/learn-about-the-foster-care-placement-process.
