Refugee and Immigrant Foster Care
Foster Hope.
Foster Change.
Foster Care.
Become a Foster Parent!
Inquire Today and Take the First Step
You Can Make a Difference
Foster Parents are Needed!
If your heart is called to help immigrants from crises, such as the record-breaking number of unaccompanied children entering the U.S., this program is a way to make a tremendous impact!
Ascentria is the only program in Massachusetts offering foster care to unaccompanied refugee and immigrant children. Through the Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program and the Unaccompanied Children Program, Ascentria provides foster care services to youth who have come to the United States seeking safety without a parent or guardian to care for them.
Attend an Info Session
Attend one of our online info sessions to meet with a foster parent recruiter, hear from experienced foster parents, and ask any questions you may have!
Ascentria was honored to be named in our national partner’s list of top 10 stories of 2023! Check out the video above, produced by our partner organization, Global Refuge (formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service).
The video highlights one of our very own foster families and their daughter through foster care, Juanita.
Juanita was only 11 when she arrived in the United States from Guatemala. She spent several years transitioning between temporary homes before being placed with her foster family in Worcester, Massachusetts by Ascentria Care Alliance.
Thanks to the support of her foster family, Juanita graduated high school last year and has gone on to thrive at her top choice college!
Help Young People Achieve their Goals
You Can Help Youth Like Juanita!
Meet Juanita an 18-year-old who lives in Massachusetts with her foster parents Vinnie and Serenity. Thanks to her supportive foster family and her drive to succeed, Juanita has been able to thrive in America!
For More Stories Like This,
Subscribe to our Friends of Foster Care Newsletter
Meet Foster Parent Ana
We Need Caring and Supportive People Like You
Are You Qualified?
We are committed to recruiting, training, licensing and supporting a diverse network of foster parents to care for this unique population of youth.
Ascentria welcomes foster parents of all kinds, whether homeowners or renters, single or married, first-time parents or experienced parents. Ascentria does not discriminate against foster parent applicants on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion or nationality.
Whether you are interested in fostering for the Unaccompanied Children or Unaccompanied Refugee Minors program, the process to become licensed is the same! Our recruiters make it easy for you to start the process of opening your home to a youth in need of a safe, nurturing environment.
Download our info packet to learn more.
Requirements
Age
You must be at least 25-years-old.
Residency
You must be a resident of Massachusetts.
Safe Environment
We welcome both homeowners and renters! You home or apartment must meet safety requirements, including an available bedroom for a youth.
Background Check
You must pass background checks, including MA CORI/SORI, DCF history, and fingerprinting checks.
Relationship
Single, partnered or married, all are welcome!
LGBTQ+
We welcome parents who are in or who are supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. Ascentria is committed to recruiting more LGBTQ+ identifying and affirming foster parents, as an increasing number of foster youth also identify with the LGBTQ+ community.
About Our Team
We're in Worcester
Unlike large, national foster care agencies, our Massachusetts team is local and ready to help you along your foster parent journey, from initial inquiry to placement and beyond.
This personalized service ensures that both our foster families and youth in care feel confident and ready to build a future together!
Ascentria is committed to being a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ children, youth, parents and families. We are proud to announce that we are one of the 172 organizations recognized in the 2023 Cycle of the Human Rights Campaign’s All Children – All Families (ACAF) initiative.
Not Ready to Become a Foster Parent?
You can still help youth in care by volunteering your time, making a donation, or providing mentorship. Learn more by clicking the button below!
Inquire Today
Get in touch with a member of our foster parent recruitment team to learn more about opening your heart and home!