Meaning of Foster

Unpacking Foster Meaning

By Alternative Family Services | March 24, 2019

Curious about what the “foster” in foster care means? Let’s unpack the term in the realm of child welfare.  What does foster mean? If you look up “foster” in the dictionary, you’ll see a definition for a…

A resource parent

What is a Resource Parent?

By Alternative Family Services | March 3, 2019

Have you seen the term “resource parent” or “resource family” used on our site and wondered, what is a Resource Parent? Why do we and others in the child welfare space use this term? Let’s explain.  Resource…

Faith Battles

Faith Battles Awarded First Ever AFS Children’s Guardian Award for Lifetime of Service

By Alternative Family Services | February 6, 2019

Award to be Presented at AFS 40th Anniversary Gala February 28    Santa Rosa, CA, February 5, 2019 – Alternative Family Services (AFS) is proud to announce that Faith M. Battles, MSW, former AFS case worker and currently the Division…

parent and child

What Can Be Done to Help Children in Foster Care?

By Alternative Family Services | January 30, 2019

Close to 56,000 children are in the foster care system in California, a number that has unfortunately remained relatively steady since 2011. In the greater Bay Area, between two and seven of every 1,000 children are in foster care.   …

Guardianship vs. Adoption vs. Foster Care: What are the Differences?

By Alternative Family Services | January 25, 2019

When it comes to the care of non-biological children in California and elsewhere in the United States, there are many terms you should know. Let’s break down three of them: Guardianship, Foster Care and Adoption.  …

Celebrating the Holidays with Foster Youth: Do's and Don'ts

Celebrating the Holidays with Foster Youth: Do’s and Don’ts

By Alternative Family Services | November 13, 2018

The end-of-year holiday season, which usually stretches from around Thanksgiving in late November to Christmas and New Year’s Day, is typically associated with cheer, family, food and joy. And while the holiday season is positive…

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