DDS Family Support Centers

Hub for family support services, trainings, mentoring, and flexible funding provided by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS).

Note: This information is based on the 2022 DDS Family Support Directory. For the most current information, please contact the centers directly or visit the DDS website.

Jump to Region:

Central Region Northeast Region Northwest Region Southeast Region Metro Boston

About DDS Family Support Centers

Family Support Centers provide a wide range of services to support families caring for individuals with developmental disabilities, including information and referral, training, peer support, and flexible funding assistance.

Family Support Services

Information, referral, and support services for families

Training & Education

Workshops and training programs for families and caregivers

Peer Mentoring

Connect with other families who share similar experiences

Flexible Funding

Financial assistance for family support needs

Central Region

Serving Worcester County and surrounding areas

Central MA Family Support Center

Address: 484 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608

Phone: (508) 751-3917

Fax: (508) 751-3920

Email: info@cmafsc.org

Website: www.cmafsc.org

Service Area: Worcester County

Northeast Region

Serving Essex County and northeastern Massachusetts

Northeast Arc Family Support Center

Address: 15 Newbury Street, Danvers, MA 01923

Phone: (978) 762-6821

Fax: (978) 762-2466

Email: familysupport@ne-arc.org

Website: www.ne-arc.org

Service Area: Essex County

Northwest Region

Serving Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, and Berkshire Counties

Collaborative for Educational Services

Address: 97 Spring Street, Northampton, MA 01060

Phone: (413) 586-4900

Fax: (413) 586-3211

Email: familysupport@collaborative.org

Website: www.collaborative.org

Service Area: Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, and Berkshire Counties

Southeast Region

Serving Bristol, Plymouth, and Norfolk Counties

Southeast Family Support Center

Address: 141 Park Street, Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: (508) 226-1445

Fax: (508) 226-1453

Email: info@sefamilysupport.org

Website: www.sefamilysupport.org

Service Area: Bristol, Plymouth, and Norfolk Counties

Metro Boston Region

Serving Suffolk, Middlesex, and parts of Norfolk Counties

Federation for Children with Special Needs

Address: 529 Main Street, Suite 1M3, Boston, MA 02129

Phone: (617) 236-7210

Fax: (617) 241-0330

Email: fcsninfo@fcsn.org

Website: www.fcsn.org

Service Area: Suffolk, Middlesex, and parts of Norfolk Counties

Services Available at Family Support Centers

Comprehensive support services available to families throughout Massachusetts

Information & Referral

  • Resource identification and connection
  • Service navigation assistance
  • Community resource directories
  • Help accessing DDS services

Training & Workshops

  • Parent education programs
  • Advocacy training
  • Special education workshops
  • Transition planning sessions

Support Groups

  • Parent support groups
  • Sibling support programs
  • Peer mentoring programs
  • Family networking opportunities

Flexible Funding

  • Emergency assistance funds
  • Respite care funding
  • Equipment and technology assistance
  • Transportation support

How to Get Started

Steps to access family support services in your region

Getting Connected

  1. Identify Your Region: Use the regional map above to find your Family Support Center
  2. Contact Directly: Call or email your regional center to discuss your needs
  3. Attend an Information Session: Many centers offer orientation sessions for new families
  4. Apply for Services: Complete any necessary applications or intake processes

Note: Services may vary by location and funding availability. Contact your regional center for current offerings and eligibility requirements.

Additional DDS Resources

Other Massachusetts DDS programs and services

DDS Main Website

Official Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services website

Apply for DDS Services

Information on how to apply for DDS services and eligibility requirements

DDS Regional Offices

Contact information for DDS regional offices throughout Massachusetts