AFS places Mental Health Services at the heart of our mission. We believe that healing begins with safety, trust, and connection. Mental health care must be as individualized as every child we serve. Photo by Barry Weatherall on Unsplash

Prioritizing Mental Health for Youth in Foster Care

By Alternative Family Services | December 7, 2025

At Alternative Family Services (AFS), we know that every child and family entering the foster care system is coping with profound change and loss. Separation from family may have a significant emotional impact. Each youth…

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting youth and families before they enter the child welfare system, Alternative Family Services (AFS) provides school-based services as part of our broader community-based care model. These services bring essential support directly to schools, creating opportunities for prevention, early intervention, and connection.

The Many Benefits of School-Based Services

By Alternative Family Services | November 30, 2025

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting youth and families before they enter the child welfare system, Alternative Family Services (AFS) provides school-based services as part of our broader community-based care model. These services…

Making Wishes Come True: A Conversation with Fostering Wishes

Making Wishes Come True: A Conversation with Fostering Wishes

By Alternative Family Services | November 30, 2025

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Robin Lemmo, co-founder of Fostering Wishes, to learn more about their inspiring work supporting children and teens in foster care. Our conversation offered a meaningful look into…

A Holiday of Hope for Richie

A Holiday of Hope for Richie

By Alternative Family Services | November 13, 2025

When ten-year-old Richie* first came to Alternative Family Services, the world felt like a scary place. After surviving abuse and instability, he arrived in our emergency placement program anxious, exhausted, and afraid to trust anyone. He…

LGBTQ+ Foster Youth: What You Should Know

LGBTQ+ Foster Youth: What You Should Know

By Alternative Family Services | October 10, 2025

Across the nation, LGBTQ+ youth are dramatically overrepresented in the foster care system. Research estimates that 20–34% of youth in foster care identify as LGBTQ+, compared to just 10% of the general youth population. Lesbian,…

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…

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