Becoming a Parent through Foster Care and Adoption in Massachusetts

With offices in Lowell, Massachusetts, Casey Family Services works with parents to provide foster care and adoption services throughout the northeast corner of the state. All kinds of people parent children and youth in foster care, whether as foster or adoptive parents. Our families comprise a broad range of individuals from different economic circumstances, diverse ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, and include those who are single, married, gay, and lesbian. While we need families in communities throughout Massachusetts, there is a great need for parents in Andover, Haverhill, Lawrence, and Lowell.

Youth in Need of Family in Massachusetts

Jacqui, age 20
imageJacqui introduces herself and shares what she would like in a family:

My name is Jacqui. I am a 20 year old African American and currently a sophomore in college. I am majoring in accounting and working toward my goal of becoming a CPA. Up to now, my hard work has paid off in good grades. 

My social worker tells me that I am an incredibly resilient, smart, fun loving and positive young woman. She always says that I am independent and motivated. When I think about it, that is true. I live in my own apartment, work a part time job, and own a car. 

At this point in my life, I want very much to make a connection to a family that could hopefully lead to adoption.  A single Mom would be great, but a two parent family with a Dad has always been a hope of mine. I have never had one in my life and I think it would be nice to have a father’s point of view. 

I have lots of energy and would love to share it with a family. I like to travel, dance, shop, cook, listen to music and play sports. I am usually first in line to try new things.

A few years ago I learned that my mother is Cuban. I would love to have a family that spoke Spanish and would be willing to help me learn the language. The only other connections that I have to my family are through my siblings and lots of extended family members. It is important to me to have an adoptive family that understands and supports those connections.

If you are interested in learning more about me, please call my social worker, Valerie Brathwaite at Casey Family Services. Her phone number is 978.937.1877.



Jayden, Corey, and Devon, age 4
imageFrom Marie Smith, the boys’ Casey social worker:

Jayden, Corey, and Devon are 4-year-old triplet brothers who want a family to call their own. For fun they like playing with Legos and tossing around a football. They are quick to initiate conversation, very engaging, and enjoy being with adults. In their quieter moments they love having someone read to them.

As their social worker, I find them to be incredibly warm, affectionate and sweet. Jayden has a great imagination and boundless energy. On the playground he spends most of his time on the monkey bars. He is very outgoing and makes friends easily. At school he has his own little entourage. Devon loves school and even at his tender age is serious about learning. Like Jayden he has boundless energy and his own sense of adventure. Corey is curious and inquisitive about the world around him. He loves being with adults who have patience with his many questions.

All three boys are energetic and enjoy having each other as playmates. Making friends is easy for Jayden, but Corey and Devon depend on each other. Their teacher says that all three boys are excited about learning and practicing new tasks. The boys themselves are proud to tell you that their latest accomplishment is learning to write and spell their names.

Jayden, Corey, and Devon love each other and rely on one another for comfort. They also have a close bond with their grandparents. It is important to them to have a family who values and appreciates all these relationships.

If you are interested in learning more about Jayden, Corey, and Devon, please contact Marie Smith at Casey Family Services, 978.937.1877.

Amari, age 11
imageFrom Amari:

To start with, I am 11 years old and have wanted to be part of a family for a long time.  This next thing might sound a little weird, but when I think about being in a family I think about how it would feel on Christmas day, my favorite day of the year. You know, how it would feel to be with a family of my own. I love to give presents! 

In my free time, I enjoy reading and playing video and computer games. I have a sharp mind for electronics and I dream about becoming a video game program designer one day. And one other thing, people tell me that I am polite, quiet and funny.

It doesn’t matter if I have two parents or one, but having a Dad is really important to me. I want to have a grown up in my life that I can trust and depend on to be my parent. Having a brother would be a real plus!

If you would like to learn more about Amari, please contact Sara Martel at Casey Family Services, 978.937.1877.

Marques, age 12
imageMarques is a 12-year-old boy looking for an active, loving family. At this young age, he has overcome many challenges and remains deeply connected to his Latino heritage. It is very important to him to have a family that supports his close cultural ties.

Marques loves animals, playing outside, and sports. He would be excited to find a family with a dog, cat, or, even, a fish. His favorite pastimes include fishing, catching frogs, bugs and other creepy-crawly things, and just exploring.  He likes swimming, basketball, and football, and wants to learn to ride a snowboard. Playing video games also are on his list of fun things to do.

This youngster works very hard setting and reaching his goals. He is looking for a family who recognizes his fervent efforts, believes in his potential, and will help him succeed in all that does. Could you be that family?

To learn more about Marques, contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) at Casey Family Services, 978.937.1877.

James, age 10
imageJames has an engaging personality and a sense of humor, both of which make him instantly likeable to both peers and adults. When asked to describe himself, James says: “I am helpful, shy, and smart.” When asked what he likes, James smiles and quickly identifies “[his] foster family, computers, video games and playing basketball and soccer.”

As his social worker, James and I spend a lot of time together. I see firsthand that he is smart, easy going, and silly. He has a huge heart for the important people in his life and an incredible desire to socialize. He is a bit of a clown who loves entertaining others. His engaging way can’t help but shine through!

When asked what he wants most in a family James says, “Someone who will love and be with me forever; someone who will show me what it means to have caring relationships in my life.”

If you would like to learn more about James, please contact me, MaryLuz Arling, at Casey Family Services, 978.937.1877.

Carlos, age 16


imageCarlos is a spontaneous, fun-loving 16 year old with an engaging personality. He likes to joke and laugh and easily makes friends with both peers and adults. Like most kids his age, Carlos has an independent spirit, but very much enjoys being at home. He likes animals and takes pride in the way he dresses. Shoes MUST match the outfit!

Some of his favorite activities are playing X-Box, hanging out with friends, and surfing. He is an industrious young man who has a good start on a job resume. His has worked at an ice cream shop, a restaurant, and currently is employed at a grocery chain. He has done well in all three. With an eye to the future, Carlos has set up a bank account and is working toward obtaining a driver’s license. Having an amazingly resilient spirit, Carlos has overcome many obstacles in his life. He is impressively smart and as an 11th grade student has already passed the English and math MCAS exams.

Carlos very much wants a family to call his own. Because he has maintained contact with members of his biological family, it is important to him that his adoptive family supports those connections.

If you would like to know more about Carlos, please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) at 978.937.1877.

Hector, age 10


imageMy name is Hector and I want to be adopted. I am 10 years old and Latino. I like sports, and I am good at soccer, basketball, and football. I also enjoy playing video games, watching television, and studying Spanish. I am in special education and work hard at school.

I currently live in a residential facility, but very much want to be in a family. I think I would do best with two parents and no other children living in the home. I am still involved with my biological family and want to stay connected with them, even when adopted. I want a family that will always be there for me, no matter what.

If you would like to learn more about Hector, please contact Mary Luz Arling at Casey Family Services, 978.937.1877. In addition, view a short video featuring Hector from the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange.

Patrick, age 9


imageMy name is Patrick. I am looking for a forever family. Here are some things you might want to know about me.

I am a 9-year-old African American boy. I am kind and friendly. People say I have a warm smile and often describe me as “an entertainer at heart.” I love to sing, play drums, and dance to hip-hop music. I am energetic and enjoy being outdoors playing basketball and skateboarding.

At school, I am in the second grade. I have to work hard to learn and am in special education.I enjoy school and am working at grade level. Making and keeping friendships is important to me.

I think that I have made great strides to overcome a difficult past. I live in a foster home near Boston and look forward to being adopted into a family that will care for me forever. My perfect family would have two parents and children that are much older than me or a family where I am an only child. But maybe my perfect family is a family like yours.

If you would like to learn more about Patrick, please contact John Thompson at Casey Family Services, 978.937.1877.

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