The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is looking for community volunteers who would like to make a difference in a foster child's life!

For a few hours of your time each month, you can participate on a panel that helps plan a brighter future for each child in care. DCF is required by law to review each foster child's case every six months. The review is conducted by a three-member panel, with one member being from the local community. A volunteer reviewer can make a difference for a child.

The family, DCF social workers, foster parents and others working with the family meet to review an action plan and discuss progress towards the established goal for each child. Volunteer Case Reviewers are community members (not employed by the Department of Children and Families) who participate on panels to review the case of children who have been placed in foster homes or group homes.

Each review lasts about an hour and a half and is conducted at a local Department of Children and Families area office. Volunteer case reviewers need only complete a minimum of one case per month (or you can complete up to 12 each month). The schedules are flexible and convene Monday-Friday during business hours.

Requirements:

• Age 18 or older; submit to a background check

• Fairness and objectivity; good communication skills

• Awareness of culturally sensitive issues

• Ability to encourage active, honest discussion among review participants

• Participation in pre-service training (approximately 8 hours)

• One year commitment; Available to review at least one case per month

See attached and more info here: https://www.mass.gov/dcf-foster-care-review-volunteer