The Critical Role of Schools in Supporting Foster Youth Education

The Critical Role of Schools in Supporting Foster Youth Education

By Alternative Family Services | September 28, 2025

The journey for children and youth in foster care is often marked by significant challenges, and their educational experiences are no exception. Across the United States, including in California, the state of foster youth education…

Milestone Story: Gabby’s Journey from Adversity to Achievement

Milestone Story: Gabby’s Journey from Adversity to Achievement

By Alternative Family Services | September 21, 2025

When Gabriella “Gabby*” entered an AFS resource family’s care three years ago, life looked uncertain. At just 15, she carried the heavy impact of growing up in a single-parent household marked by extreme abuse. Socially…

AFS: The ongoing evolution of child welfare

The Ongoing Evolution of Child Welfare

By Alternative Family Services | August 1, 2025

As many AFS staff members will readily tell you, the child welfare system today is rife with misconceptions. Let’s dive into what the child welfare system looks like in the U.S. today and how it…

Meet Diego: A Story of Perseverance and Possibility

Meet Diego: A Story of Perseverance and Possibility

By Alternative Family Services | July 30, 2025

At just 16, Diego* had already experienced more disruption than most teens face in a lifetime. After multiple foster placements and years of struggling in school, he was nearly two grades behind and beginning to…

AFS Staff in Action: Veronica Rodrigues

AFS Staff in Action: Veronica Rodrigues

By Alternative Family Services | July 20, 2025

Veronica Rodrigues became the Quality Management Director for Alternative Family Services (AFS) in May 2025. Get to know Veronica and her work at AFS. What are your main responsibilities at AFS? I am the Director…

Listening with Intention: How Integrated Listening Systems Supports Healing at Alternative Family Services Photo by Marvin Lewis on Unsplash

Listening with Intention: How Integrated Listening Systems Supports Healing at Alternative Family Services

By Alternative Family Services | June 14, 2025

At Alternative Family Services (AFS), our mission is to help children, youth, and families heal, grow, and thrive. One innovative tool supporting that mission is Integrated Listening Systems (ILS)—a therapeutic, multisensory program that blends sound,…

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