Our Services
Bridges Homeward services include Adoption, Comprehensive Foster Care, Development Disabilities Services, Support & Stabilization, and more. Most of our work is by contract with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
Adoption
Our Adoption program provides planning and case management services for children and teens in DCF custody. We typically work with youth who face the greatest challenges to adoption: older children, sibling groups, and children with medical, developmental, emotional, or behavioral special needs. We are the only private agency in Greater Boston that provides adoption case management services to children in foster care. We are 1 of only 4 private agencies that provide adoption case management across the entire state. DCF manages much of the load itself.
Developmental Disabilities Services
As a provider of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS), our Developmental Disabilities Program supports individuals with disabilities through case management, life skills development, community integration, and advocacy. We work alongside each person to help them set meaningful life goals, build independence, and participate in their communities. Confidence is strengthened through social opportunities outside the home that foster connection, growth, and belonging. At the same time, we empower families to make informed decisions about the care, services, and supports their loved ones need, providing guidance and resources.
Family Services
Adoption is not only about the child or children but also about the parents. Furthermore, the process is about the family as a whole. Our Family Services program recruits, trains, and supports adoptive and foster parents, making sure their entire journey goes as smoothly as possible. Through training, matching services, and support, Family Services is available to make sure all the bases are covered before, during, and after the process.
Support & Stabilization
Support & Stabilization strengthens families, youth, and young adults. Preventing out-of-home placements, helping parents reunify with their children, connecting people to resources, building and refining essential life skills, and empowering youth and young adults aging out of foster care—these are just a small sample of the many things Support & Stabilization staff do every day.
Comprehensive Foster Care
Our Comprehensive Foster Care program staff work to help children and teens in foster care transition to more permanent placement: reunification with their birth family, guardianship, kindship care, or adoption. Bridges Homeward specializes in foster care for children who were born exposed to substances, experienced abuse or neglect, or have complex medical, behavioral, or developmental needs.
The Healthy Families Massachusetts Program
As a statewide home visiting program of The Children’s Trust, Healthy Families provides guidance, education, and consistent support to families with a child under one year old. Bridges Homeward operates Harbor Area Healthy Families, serving Chelsea, East Boston, Revere, Winthrop, and Charlestown. By offering trusted relationships, practical resources, and individualized support, the program helps parents navigate challenges, build confidence, and create strong foundations so families can thrive and reach their full potential.
