Foster Youth

A Journey of Healing: A Family Reunited at The Gathering Place

By Alternative Family Services / September 20, 2024

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…

Dear 10-Year-Old Self: Letter from A Former Foster Youth

By Alternative Family Services / February 22, 2024

Note: This “letter” was written by a former AFS foster youth, describing what they would tell a past version of themselves now. Dear 10-Year-Old Self, I’m reaching out across the…

Where to Find Resources for Foster Youth in California

By Alternative Family Services / July 22, 2023

Here at AFS, we recently put together a guide highlighting key resources for foster youth in California – and for others in the state in need of support and resources.…

Reunification and Foster Care: What You Need to Know

By Alternative Family Services / June 24, 2023

What do foster parents, children in foster care, biological families and the general public need to know about reunification in foster care? Let’s explore the reunification process within the foster…

Impact Story: Sarah

By Alternative Family Services / August 24, 2022

Sarah* was five years old when she started individual therapy with Alternative Family Services (AFS). Sarah had one failed adoption attempt already and was struggling in her new prospective adoptive placement. Sarah was…

How to Support the Education Needs of Transition Age Youth

By Alternative Family Services / June 15, 2021

As compared to other young adults, transition age youth (TAY) who have or will soon emancipate from foster care face enormous challenges, including how to pursue their educational needs.   Many…

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