Foster Youth
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…
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…
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 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…
Foster youth face unique challenges, including instability, trauma, and the absence of consistent support systems. These experiences often make it difficult for them to trust authority figures or fully engage…
I first met a young client, Charlie*, and his mother Annie*, in December 2023 at The Gathering Place (TGP). They were hesitant, quiet, and burdened heavily when they arrived. In…