OPEN YOUR HEART AND YOUR HOME. I'm proud to say that I recruited another Foster Parent THIS MONTH! We celebrated at the 25th Annual Foster & Adoptive Parent Recognition Brunch at the Sheraton Framingham. If you want to know more or get involved, drop me a line 781-321-0406.

290 CHILDREN ARE REPORTED DAILY TO DCF AS VICTIMS OF NEGLECT OR ABUSE IN THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS.

Foster care is the term used for a system in which a minor who has been made a ward is placed in the private home of a state certified caregiver referred to as a "foster parent".

The state via the family court and child protection agency stand in loco parentis to the minor, making all legal decisions while the foster parent is responsible for the day to day care of said minor. 

Foster care is intended to be a short term situation until a permanent placement can be made:

• Reunification with the biological parent(s)
  • When it is deemed in the child's best interest. This is generally the first choice.
  • Preferably by a biological family member such as an aunt or grand parent.
  • If no biological family member is willing or able to adopt, the next preference is for the child to be adopted by the foster parents or by someone else involved in the child's life (such as a teacher or coach). This is to maintain continuity in the child's life.
  • If neither above option are available, the child may be adopted by someone who is a stranger to the child.

Foster care placement

Children may enter foster care via voluntary or involuntary means. Voluntary placement may occur when a biological parent or lawful guardian is unable or unwilling to care for a child. Involuntary placement occurs when a child is removed from their biological parent or lawful guardian due to the risk or actual occurrence of physical or psychological harm. In the US, most children enter foster care due to neglect.

EARTH DAY was spent cleaning the Mystic River with Karla Romero! OVER 80 VOLUNTEERS SHOWED UP.

The activity was lead by FRIENDS OF THE MYSTIC RIVER. Community members of Malden and Medford turned out to get down and dirty at 9 AM sharp, but not before enjoying breakfast sponsored by Mass Appeal International. 

Volunteers collecting trash and debris on the river banks and in nearby grassy fields between the Lower Mystic Lake and McDonald Park.

PATRIOTS' DAY is a civic holiday commemorating the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first battles of the American Revolutionary War.

It was a great day for kids to learn our proud American history.

We had a great time at the Patriot's Day Parade in Medford. The Band was hot, we ate at the Tavern where Paul Revere stopped on his famous ride.

 We watched a re- enactment of his ride, staring a beautiful white horse named "Brownie". Everyone celebrating our history received gourmet brownies from Mass Appeal International.

 DID YOU KNOW THAT:

On this day (April 19th) in 1866, thousands gather in Washington D.C to celebrate the Republican Party's abolition of slavery.

Mass Appeal International is proud to support the Center for Cancer Support and Education.

we are one of the proud sponsors of a fundraiser at the Sons of Italy in Medford. The funds will help keep the following programs running. 

Support Groups

Explore ways of dealing with the stresses of cancer while building a support system to take you through recovery. All groups are open to new members at any time. Support groups now meeting are:

• General Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Advanced Cancer
  
• Caregivers and Loved Ones
• BRAINSTORMERS (support group for brain tumor patients and families)

Wellness Programs

• Mind/Body Polarity Balancing Therapy, Light Massage, Acupressure, Reiki, RYSE Private Individual Therapy Sessions
  
• 
  
• Writing Workshops

Resources

The Center maintains a growing collection of wellness materials and books for visitors. The office, which is located on 180 Mass. Avenue, Suite 301, in Arlington, Massachusetts is open for access to these resources Mondays and Fridays from 12:00 - 5:00 PM, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2:00 until 4:00 PM and Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00AM and  12:00 - 5:00 PM. Call ahead at 781-648-0312 if you are looking for something special and we'll assist you with your search.

A heartfelt Thank you to Brenda Ofiesh who brought tears to our eyes when speaking of her abuse and victimization as a young child. Brenda’s strength is admirable, motivating and humbling. Thank you Brenda for your commitment to protecting children from being victimized both sexually and through due process. We truly cherish your involvement with our organization and we are honored to work with you.

Thank you to Karla Romero for her excellent speech at the event. Karla will make an excellent State Representative for the children when elected. Thank you to Kara Fratto and Bill Hudak for Congress for attending our event & supporting our cause.

In 2007 Massachusetts was ranked #1 nationally for child abuse and neglect.
In 2008 the rates rose by 119,000+ cases. Child abuse in Massachusetts is a growing epidemic.

Please continue to spread the word about our cause and help us gather 250,000 supporters by December 1st 2010.

We can and we will achieve our goals of passing the strongest strong mandatory sentences for sex offenders through a ballot initiative. With everyone’s continued support we will pass much needed legislation and take a giant leap forward in the fight to protect our children.

We will protect our children.

Warmest Regards,

Protect Mass Children, Inc

Founding President