Survey respondents were Massachusetts residents ages 25-64 and mirrored statewide demographics, such as gender, race/ethnicity, religion, political views, and more. The survey found a widespread lack of familiarity with foster care in Massachusetts — at the outset, less than half of respondents could identify the correct definition of foster care.

However, once people were provided with information about what is asked of foster parents and what supports are available, interest in becoming a foster parent grew by more than 60 percent! Among those who had never fostered before, more than one-third said they would very seriously or somewhat seriously consider becoming a foster parent. If this were expanded statewide, and if even a fraction of people who became more willing to foster took the next step, the state’s shortage of foster parents would be solved — and every child experiencing foster care in Massachusetts would have a safe, loving place to go when they need it most.