Blog

How IP-CANS Will Shape California’s New Tiered Foster Care Rate Structure

By Alternative Family Services / May 17, 2026

California is preparing for a major shift in how foster care support is funded. The state’s new Tiered Foster Care Rate Structure, or TRS, is expected to begin on July…

Elevating Care: AFS’s Journey Toward High Fidelity Wraparound Certification

By Alternative Family Services / March 22, 2026

At Alternative Family Services (AFS), our mission since 1978 has been to provide thoughtful, informed support to vulnerable children and families in the Bay Area and greater Sacramento region. We…

Understanding California’s 2027 Tiered Rate Structure

By Alternative Family Services / March 6, 2026

To better meet the unique needs of foster youth, California is embarking on a significant transformation of its foster care funding model, with a new Tiered Rate Structure (TRS) set…

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…

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…

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…

Subscribe for Updates