For the Sake of Our Children, the Call for Truth, Action, and Change Endures
From Executive Director Jane Lyons Dear Friends, It’s impossible to advocate on behalf of individual children and youth in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems and not look for…
Read MoreAs the Push to Establish Independent Foster Care Review Intensifies, Friends of Children Introduces Voices from the Inside
Our Advocacy Efforts for a More Effective Child Welfare System At Friends of Children, our policy work focuses on transparency, accountability, and oversight of the Commonwealth’s child welfare system. We…
Read MoreIntroducing Voices from the Inside
As advocates across the state urge leaders to support the establishment of independent foster care review, Friends of Children recognizes a need to amplify the voices of those involved in…
Read MoreSpecial Education CASA Alison Greene: An Extra-Special Resource and Advocate
With a Master’s degree, specialized CASA training as a special education advocate, and rich professional practical experience throughout Massachusetts, Alison Greene was first motivated to become a CASA after her…
Read MoreSharing Victories: A New CASA Volunteer’s Perspective
For privacy, we do not name our volunteers. What drew you to the CASA program? I adopted my son through the Massachusetts Foster to Adoption Program. He was three days…
Read MoreSupport Extracurriculars for Foster Children Through Kathie’s Fund
Created in 2021 in memory of powerhouse CASA volunteer Kathie Stewart, Kathie’s Fund covers expenses for the extracurricular activities that make life full and normal for foster children. The more…
Read MoreCelebrating 30 Years of CASA at Friends of Children
What is CASA? The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program, a national grassroots movement, provides investigation into the long-term well-being needs of children and youth involved in the Juvenile Court…
Read MoreVolunteer Advocacy – One Child at a Time
From Executive Director Jane Lyons Helping children drawn into the complex child welfare system to not merely survive but to thrive requires the dedicated efforts of significant adult advocates. In…
Read MoreThis is what your impact looks like: The stories of Sam & Jennifer
Sam’s Story: a young person supported by CASA At age 15, Sam was referred to CASA by the Juvenile Court in order to help their parents obtain supportive educational services.…
Read MoreWelcome Dametria!
We welcome Dametria (pictured with her daughter Zay’Ahnna) to the FOCUS family. When asked what she would like to share about herself, Dametria said ” I am a young mother…
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