Child Welfare and Foster Care

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…

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…

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,…

Healing Through Connection: The WisdomPath Way to Reparative Parenting

By Alternative Family Services / June 14, 2025

At Alternative Family Services (AFS), we believe healing begins with connection. When children are surrounded by empathy, structure, and unwavering support, even the deepest wounds can begin to mend. That’s…

Thinking for Change: Empowering Justice-Involved Youth and Adults Through Cognitive Behavioral Change

By Alternative Family Services / March 16, 2025

The journey toward rehabilitation for justice-involved youth and adults is complex, but Thinking for Change (T4C) offers a transformative approach that focuses on cognitive restructuring, social skills training, and problem-solving…

A Lifeline for Families in Need: Understanding Enhanced Care Management (ECM)

By Alternative Family Services / February 7, 2025

Breaking Barriers and Restoring Hope Across Northern California, countless families face overwhelming challenges—from housing instability to mental health struggles—that can make everyday life feel like an uphill battle. Enhanced Care…

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