Foster Care and Adoption Programs 18 Degrees Family Services for Western Massachusetts

Record last updated 2023/05/08 Comment on this info .Update this info

Narrative

The Permanency Program at 18 Degrees, Family Services for Western Massachusetts, offers choices in adoption which acknowledge the past as part of the adopted child's identity so there is communication between the birth parents, adoptive parents & adopted child.  There is no fee for adoption of children in the custody of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The agency offers a free training session for prospective adoptive parents interested in children in state custody.  The agency also provides a very limited infant adoption option on an as-needed basis (via a sliding scale for pre-adoptive parents and no fee for birth parents), intensive foster care, parenting assessments, supervised visitation, child assessments and homestudies. This agency will also work with the Interstate Compact Office to provide adoption services across state lines. 

Individuals/couples who want to adopt children either from the MA public welfare system (foster care) or privately are encouraged to contact 18 Degrees in West Springfield. Children who need permanent families receive case management and adoption services. Parents who wish to regain custody of their children receive  assessments via contracts with the MA Department of Children and Families.

18 Degrees also has an intensive foster care program - Healing Homes.  children in this program have permanency plans that include reunification, adoption, guardianship or transitions to adulthood. There is a free training requirement for this program for those who wish to become foster parents. Foster parents receive a small stipend when they provide care in this program. 

Service Types

• Case Management
• Congregate Housing
• Food - Meals
• Socialization Activities

Program Type

• Support Groups

Populations Served

• All Disabilities
• Elderly Person with disabilities

Ages Served

• Birth to 3
• 3 - 4
• 5 - 8
• 9 - 13
• 14 - 18
• 19 - 22
• 23 – 59
• 60 +

Languages Spoken

• Spanish

Accessibility Features

• Able to serve clients in their wheelchair
• Accessible Parking
• Accessible Restrooms
• Near Public Transportation
• Services at Home
• Services at School
• Services at Work

Additional Information

• Accredited By: The MA Department of Children & Families
• Fees: Free Service, Personal Funds, Sliding Scale
• Licensed By: The MA Department of Early Education and Care