Explore Adoption

The children and teens of foster care

deserve permanent families.

EVERY CHILD

DESERVES A HOME

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.

We exist to help find adoptive homes for the hundreds of children and teens in Massachusetts foster care in need of permanent families.

We believe in a future where every child has the permanent family they deserve. But to make that dream a reality, it's going to take a wide community of supporters, families, do-gooders, and change-makers. Will you join us?

BECOME A PARENT

You don't need to be a perfect parent to adopt from foster care. But you do need courage to face the unknown, grit to overcome obstacles, and perseverance to see the journey through.

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SOCIAL WORKERS

Are you a Massachusetts social worker who works with youth in need of adoptive homes or with families considering adoption? We are here to support you!

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SUPPORTERS

It takes a wide community of caring individuals to help us find homes for children and teens waiting in foster care. Find out how you can start making a difference for youth in foster care.

Get Involved

MEET THE

youth

We'd love to introduce you to some of the vivacious, audacious, engaging, unique, and amazing young people we serve. Get to know their stories and perspective. Listen to their voices. Then, take action to make a difference.

MEET THE YOUTH

Stories

Read the stories of children, teens, and families impacted by foster care and adoption.

1 min read

Finding Forever: Megan, Ben, and Kimberly's Journey to Family

Aug 20, 2024 by Ana Eira

Megan and Ben’s journey to adoption began in an unexpected but beautiful way. Longtime friends who lived in different...

2 min read

The Cunningham-Elder Family

Mar 5, 2024 by MARE Staff

In the last five years alone, the number of kids in foster care waiting to be adopted has doubled. Half of them are...

3 min read

The Nogueras Family

Feb 9, 2024 by MARE Staff

Mary and José Nogueras are the proud, energetic, and patient parents of five children. They own a pottery studio down...

"Biology doesn’t make a family; it’s about love.”

- The Silver family

"It's a process, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

- The Capato Family

"He came in as if he was born here. It was like he had been here forever...He has taught all of us here more about humility, gratefulness, thankfulness, kindness, love.”

- The Delgado Family

“The ability to adopt a sibling group is amazing because it truly is the ability to have an instant family with bonds that already exist and ones that will form and get stronger every day."

- The Tito Family

"The reality is, if you shy away from doing something because you are afraid of the risks, then you also miss out on the benefits. Admittedly, it hasn't been a piece of cake. At times it is hard for us, but part of being a family is working out difficulties together.”

- The Molano Family

"Even if you're a single parent, don’t give up. There are so many children that need to be adopted, so just be the best person you can be, use your resources, and surround yourself with a community."

- The Poehler Family

"Be open to all possibilities and the right child will find you... You never know the capability of someone; all I did was give him a home.”

- The Whitney Family

UPCOMING EVENTS

Throughout the year, MARE hosts events statewide to connect and support social workers, waiting children and prospective adoptive families. To subscribe to our events newsletter, please create an account.

YOU ARE

WELCOMED

We believe strongly in an open and inclusive process as you explore adoption. Any type of family or individual can consider adoption and we are here to help you every step of the way - no matter your race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or background. You are welcome here!

It takes all of us

There are many ways you can help kids in foster care, even if you can't adopt (or already have!). Sign up below to get involved and receive our newsletter.