A compilation of laws, regulations, cases, and web sources on adoption law by the Trial Court Law Libraries.

A direct link to the FBI's informational pamphlet to online exploitation and the risks to your children

The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds, based Massachusetts General Hospital, is a free on-line educational resource to empower adults to support the mental, emotional and behavioral well-being of the young people in their lives, in challenging times. It’s innovative multimedia platform offers engaging content with blogs (articles, Q+A, practical tips), videos (short films, PSAs, webinars) and a podcast, all regularly updated by new research, current events and user feedback. Topics include anxiety, stress, depression, learning, trauma, suicide, and societal issues like digital media, cyber bullying, plus self-care and resilience building to manage through uncertainty and promote endurance. Many of these resources are available in Spanish.

To request a fair hearing with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), you can contact the Fair Hearing Unit by: Email: DCFFairHearingUnit@state.ma.us Fax: (617) 748-2062 Phone: (617) 748-2030 Mail: 600 Washington Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02111 Online: Efile a request at https://www.mass.gov/fair-hearing-unit You can also contact the DCF Office of the Ombudsman at (617) 748-2444 if you feel the DCF treated you unfairly. The Fair Hearing process allows individuals to present their case to an impartial hearing officer and receive a fair decision. The hearing officer will consider the facts, DCF policies, regulations, statutes, and case law.

Provides information and referral services, emotional support, and trainings to parents of children and youth with special needs. 1-800-905-TIES (8437

Written by the Federation for Children with Special Needs in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Education, the Guide is meant to serve as a resource for parents, and the organizations that serve them. The Guide contains the most current and accurate information available regarding the special education system in Massachusetts. It is the hope of the Federation that this publication will assist families in obtaining the supports and services that their children with disabilities need to succeed in school.

Understanding online privacy, how to protect your devices from hackers and threats, and how to avoid common online scams.

The mission of the M-SEPAC is to work by communicating, evaluating, advocating and educating within the community for understanding of, respect for, and support of all children with special needs in the community and the Marlborough Public Schools.

Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) is a private nonprofit that bridges the gap between a beleaguered foster care system and the right of every child to a permanent, stable family.

Provides help in meeting childcare and transportation needs of low-income families. For TAFDC participants, email DTA.EmploymentServices@state.ma.us. For participants who receive SNAP-only, call the SNAP Path to Work at (888) 483-0255.

Helps families access services for youth and young adults with substance use problems. Talk with a Helpline Specialist by calling 800.327.5050 or texting 800327

The Department of Early Education & Care offers financial assistance to eligible families in the form of a subsidy. EEC will pay for a portion of a family’s childcare expense based off of their household size and income. Due to limited funding, there is a waitlist at this time. Mass211 is able to screen families for eligibility and place them on the statewide centralized waitlist directly over the phone. For convenience, there is also an application made available online that can be submitted at any time. A Child Care Subsidy may be available to eligible children ages prenatal to age 13yo (16yo if the child has a diagnosed special need). Mass211 can also help families identify and locate childcare programs in their area. To do so, parents are asked a series of questions in order to best assess the family’s needs.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s site with links for parents, educators, law enforcement to find information for internet safety. This site also has a link for parents with teens and a special section just for kids.

The National Council For Adoption is the leading expert on adoption issues, providing resources and education for all people and organizations in the adoption world, and advocating for sound policies so that every child can thrive in a nurturing, permanent family. (703) 299-6633

They connect parents with parents in both virtual and community support groups to share challenges, express frustrations, and ask questions. Find the support and feedback you need to help yourself and your children. All services are free, anonymous, confidential, and accessible. Parental Stress Line 1-800-632-8188

PFLAG of Greater Boston offers support, education, and advocacy to parents, caregivers, friends of LGBTQ+ people via a parent-to-parent support program, support groups, help by phone and more. gbpflag.org/home Access their parent/caregiver connection line at 866-312-5007 or send an email to helpline@gbplflag.org.

There’s no better resource than a supportive parent. You don’t need to be an expert, you just need to be willing to talk AND listen. The open, non-judgmental conversations you have with your children about sex, puberty, bodies, and relationships will help them stay safe and healthy as they grow up. We’re here to show you how to be your kid’s go-to resource for answers and advice, from pre-K to college.

Did you know that at least 1 in 10 children across the U.S. are being raised by at least one grandparent? (Source: 2019 American Community Survey) This innovative program meets grandparents raising grandchildren and other kin right where they’re at, whether that be a local senior center, community organization, or public school.

Support for children ages 3 to 18 years old and their families, providing children and teens a space to grieve the death of a loved one surrounded by peers also experiencing feelings of grief and loss. The Carriage House provides free peer support groups to children and teens following the death of a parent, caregiver, or sibling. Adult support groups are also available to the caregivers of children and teens participating in peer support at The Carriage House.

SMOC Childcare provides quality early education and care services to children ages 6 weeks through 14 years.

Serves families in need with both financial and emotional support services for families who have lost a child