Newsletter

From Interim Executive Director Sarah Tanner Change within organizations is inevitable. And yet change can be difficult, stressful, and messy–and it can create distractions that limit productivity. Having served in…

In the seven years since Friends of Children launched its award-winning FOCUS program for young adults aging out of foster care at our headquarters in Western, Massachusetts, word of the…

Since its inception seven years ago, the FOCUS program at Friends of Children has been connecting youth aged 18-26 who are transitioning out of foster care to resources, peers, and…

For several years, members of the Edwards Church of Northampton Quilting Team have been making quilts for our FOCUS young adults.  This year, the team added a blessing to be…

As a leading advocacy agency serving children and families involved with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, we rely on a strong and dynamic board, and we’re currently seeking…

We are in immediate need of volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and FOCUS Mentors.  CASA provides a four-day in person training, asks volunteers to make a…

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…

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…

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…

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…