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

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 techniques. Unlike punitive measures that…

A Journey to Forever: Addison’s Adoption Story

A Journey to Forever: Addison’s Adoption Story

By Alternative Family Services | February 17, 2025

When Addison* entered kinship care through our San Francisco office, her life was marked by uncertainty and pain. After enduring severe neglect from her mother, she found herself living with her aunt and uncle, Joanne*…

Photo by M.T ElGassier on Unsplash

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 Management (ECM) is a transformative…

Impact Story: Dylan’s Journey to Healing and Stability

Impact Story: Dylan’s Journey to Healing and Stability

By Alternative Family Services | January 23, 2025

Dylan*, a 17-year-old male, was referred to the AFS Juvenile Probation Department (JPD) Program in 2022 after enduring a lifetime of unimaginable hardships. By the time he joined the program, Dylan had experienced 52 failed…

Photo by Omar Lopez on Unsplash

Unlocking Potential: How Motivational Interviewing Transforms the Lives of Foster Youth

By Alternative Family Services | January 19, 2025

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 in conversations about their goals…

Thanks to the TAY program, Jamal received financial aid to pursue a vocational training program in automotive technology. The program not only provided the funds for his tuition and tools but also connected him with a mentor who guided him through the challenges of transitioning into adulthood.

Impact Story: Meet Jamal

By Alternative Family Services | December 13, 2024

Meet Jamal*, a former foster youth whose life took a remarkable turn thanks to the Foster Care to Success “Transitional Aged Youth” (TAY) program. After aging out of the foster care system at 18, Jamal…

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