FAMILIES

As family and friends come together for various holidays this and next month, will it be possible to discuss the war between Israel and Hamas, as many people disagree so strongly about what's happening and what should happen next. Maybe, with some agreements in place, says John Sarrouf from Essential Partners in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The number of homeless families in Massachusetts continues to rise. As of October 2023, almost 7,000 families are living in emergency shelters — hotels, dorms and apartments — run by the state. In many communities, including West Springfield, the children enroll in public schools, where educators try to meet learning and basic needs.

Families will soon be able to upload documentation to a state website, and meet with case workers virtually rather than making an in-person appointment.

MassHealth on Friday holds a public hearing on a proposed regulation allowing doulas — who help expectant mothers advocate for themselves throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery, as well as support them during the postpartum period — to enroll as approved providers.

We chat with Juan Falcon of the Hispanic American Library about the New England Latino Festival, and with filmmaker Ido Mizrahi about a documentary he's made involving the family of local Astronaut, Cady Coleman.

Black and Hispanic mothers face more risks than white women during childbirth. A new round of funding is part of an effort to reduce the health gap.

Mike and Kitty Burke of Southampton, Massachusetts, say they were turned down as foster parents by the Department of Children and Families because of their beliefs around issues like marriage and sexuality.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has a few days left to review the annual state budget after lawmakers forwarded the it to her last week.

Some child advocates say the state is too quick to remove children from their parents over reasons of poverty, not parenting. They say intensive family support and legal assistance can prevent the longterm damage that comes with separation.

Closed-door negotiations continue between Massachusetts House and Senate lawmakers over spending in the annual state budget.