State Coordinator
Massachusetts Department of Children and FamiliesMaureen Fallon Messeder
Director Adolescent Support Services
24 Farnsworth Street
Boston, MA 02210
Phone: (617) 748-2231
Fax: (617) 748-2156
Email: maureen.messeder@state.ma.us
2012 Chafee Allocation
$2,928,643
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2012 ETV Allocation
$976,532
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Number of youth 16-21 (most current AFCARS data - 2009)
2170
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State's Chafee Mission Statement
Information is currently unavailable.
Who is eligible for Chafee services?
Foster youth ages 14-21 who may not return home.
What is the state's definition of room and board?
Information is currently unavailable.
Maximum age that youth may remain in state funded foster care
22
No additional information is available.
Under what conditions can a youth remain in state funded foster care beyond 18?
Youth can sign a Voluntary Placement Agreement with DSS when they turn 18 if they are willing to continue in pursuing their education or vocational training and comply with their service plan.
Does the state have an approved plan to extend Title IV-E (Federal foster care) beyond 18?
Yes
Age of extension: 21
Conditions used to extend title IV-E foster care:
- Secondary Education: Yes
- Postsecondary Education: Yes
- Barriers to Employment: Yes
- Employed 80 Hours: Yes
- Incapable of Activities: Yes
Is the Extended Medicaid Option available for youth until 21?
Yes
Youth discharging for agency custody/care ages 18, 19, and 20 will be enrolled in Massachusetts Health until age 21. Youth do not have to re-apply each year. Their coverage remains in effect until they turn age 21.
Can youth in care get driver’s licenses?
Yes
The social worker, youth and all the youth’s care providers decide when and what support services are needed to assist the youth with this goal.
Does the state offer tuition waivers for foster youth?
Yes
The tuition waiver program includes fee waivers along with tuition. All youth in Massachusetts agency custody at age 18, youth adopted through Department of Children and Family (DCF) and youth in guardianships through DCF are eligible for these waivers.
Does the state have a youth leadership program?
Yes
Regional Youth Advisory Boards and a Central Office Youth Board that meets with the Commissioner and Central Office administrators. Annual Youth Leadership Summit.
Does the state have a foster care bill of rights or sibling bill of rights?
Yes
Massachusetts has a Foster Care Bill of Rights available on their Health and Human Services Website. It was developed by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. Massachusetts also has a Sibling-specific Bill of Rights. It is also maintained on the Health and Human Services website and was developed by the Department of Children and Families Foster Care Bill of Rights: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/consumer/family-services/foster-care/our-children-and-youth/foster-child-bill-of-rights.html Sibling Bill of Rights: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dcf/sibling-bill-of-rights.pdf
MA Resources
- State Coordinator(s)
- 2012 Chafee Allocation
- 2012 ETV Allocation
- Number of youth 16-21 (most current AFCARS data - 2009)
- State's Chafee Mission Statement
- Who is eligible for Chafee services?
- What is the state's definition of room and board?
- Maximum age that youth may remain in care
- Under what conditions can a youth remain in state funded foster care beyond 18?
- Does the State have an approved plan to extend Title IV-E (Federal foster care) beyond 18?
- Is the Extended Medicaid Option available for youth until 21?
- Can youth in care get driver’s licenses?
- Does the state offer tuition waivers for foster youth?
- Does the state have a youth leadership program?
- Does the state have a foster care bill of rights or sibling bill of rights?
