MAPP Training

"What is MAPP training?" The Massachusetts Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (MAPP) is the mandatory 30-hour education program for people interested in fostering or adopting children/youths living in the custody of the state of Massachusetts. Families who successfully complete MAPP training can then move on to have a home study assessment, which is required to become an adoption or foster care resource.

All prospective foster or adoptive parents are given the opportunity through MAPP to learn about the Department of Children and Families (DCF), our programs at The Home, and the children/youths in need of foster or adoptive families. The MAPP education program provides parents with information and skills-building that will effectively prepare them to parent children/youths who need care.

The MAPP experience is designed as a mutual assessment process. This means that prospective parents are able to assess, through self-reflection and discussion, whether fostering or adopting a child/youth living in state foster care is something they have both the desire and ability to do. At the same time, The Home can assess a participant’s interest and capacity to become a parental resource for children/youths in the Department’s care.

The course is divided into sessions and covers the following topics:

•  An overview of the caregiving process
•  Permanency planning for children in state care
•  A child's transition into foster placement
•  The effects of maltreatment on development
•  Attachment
•  Trauma
•  Behavioral support
•  Health and safety issues
•  Culture, connections and identity

Registration for MAPP Training
To be considered for MAPP Training, families must complete our pre-screen process which includes a pre-screen form, home visit, and short interview. All of which determine a family’s initial eligibility. If you are currently working with DCF in pursuit of adoption and would like to attend our MAPP training, please speak with your DCF Family Resource Worker for a referral.

Upcoming Training Series
Winter 2021 MAPP Training 

Winter Virtual Series

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays
5:30-8:30pm