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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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