Our History
Family Alternatives is a trauma informed, youth driven agency that embraces the collaboration between youth and their supports in caring foster homes. Founded in 1978 by foster parents, Family Alternatives emerged to enhance relationships, advocate for services and support the development of youth in the foster care system. Family Alternatives supports youth in their development by providing nurturing family environments. Through guidance, nurturing and mentorship, Family Alternatives strives to create and develop relationships with children, which extend beyond foster care.
Our Mission
Family Alternatives supports relationships and enhances environments that embrace youth and families in transition.
At the heart of everything we do is a core set of values that guide how we serve, connect, and grow.
We listen to and honor the wisdom of youth and families, recognizing that every person has an innate ability to make decisions about their own life. We believe in the importance of lifelong relationships—ones that are honest, responsive, and rooted in respect.
We embrace the many facets of diversity and hold onto the belief that hope has a place in every life. We remain committed to integrity by putting research into practice, while staying flexible and responsive to the ever-changing needs of the communities we serve.
Our Values
Family Alternatives believes in the strength of relationships. We view youth as people, not clients. Our youth have the strength and resilience to overcome life’s struggles with the support and guidance of trauma informed teams of professionals.
Trauma Informed Philosophy
Family Alternatives has grown deeper, not bigger. Improving quality, going deeper. Our foster homes are located within an hour of our office, allowing services to be easily accessible for our families and kids.