Foster families: first-aid and CPR standards
First Aid & CPR Massachusetts
Becoming a foster parent in Massachusetts means welcoming a child into a safe, caring home. Among the ongoing requirements: maintaining CPR and first-aid certification, along with safe-sleep training. It is one condition alongside MAPP pre-service training and the family assessment.
The first-aid requirement
In Massachusetts, foster parents must maintain CPR and first-aid certification as well as safe-sleep/SIDS-prevention training, in addition to completing the Massachusetts Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (MAPP) pre-service training and a minimum of annual in-service training. The process is overseen by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) under 110 CMR 7.
The CPR and first-aid certification must be kept current throughout licensure. It is one requirement in addition to the MAPP training, the home study and the parenting suitability DCF assesses — it does not by itself qualify a person to foster.
How to meet it
A recognized, up-to-date first-aid and CPR certificate meets this requirement. It is in addition to the required training or assessment, and is renewed periodically.
Training aligned with the latest emergency-care standards
Our CPR, AED and first-aid training is developed in line with the most recent international guidelines for emergency cardiovascular care and first aid.
We rigorously follow the recommendations of ILCOR (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation), the international body responsible for the scientific evaluation and development of global resuscitation standards. These recommendations serve as a reference for health organizations, institutions and professional orders worldwide — and are updated as scientific and clinical evidence evolves.
Keep your skills current with confidence
Every intervention can make a difference. Keeping CPR and emergency-care skills current is both a professional requirement and a responsibility toward patients, colleagues and the public.
See the recognized first-aid courses in your regionReferences
- 110 CMR 7.103 — Application to Become a Foster Parent
- Mass.gov — Steps to become a DCF foster parent
- ILCOR — International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation
Content is being updated.