Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff
Children were seen through windows of the DCF office in Roxbury. Children sometimes have to wait in the offices as workers find places for them to stay.
There is an acute shortage of families in Massachusetts who are willing to open their doors to abused and neglected children. If you are considering fostering a child, here are the requirements to get started.
You must:
■ Be a Massachusetts resident 18 or older
■ Rent or own a home that meets Department of Children and Family home safety standards
■ Have a stable source of income
■ Pass a background record check
For more information, click here or call the DCF Foster Care/Adoptive Recruitment Unit at 800-543-7508.