Here are some key resources in Alaska for foster care support, including services for children in foster care, foster parents, and adoption: ### **1. Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) - Office of Children’s Services (OCS)** - **Purpose**: The Office of Children’s Services (OCS) is the state agency responsible for child welfare in Alaska, including foster care services, adoption, and child protection. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: 1-800-478-7307 (Toll-Free) - **Website**: [www.hss.state.ak.us/ocs](http://www.hss.state.ak.us/ocs) - **Services**: - Foster care placements and support for children in the foster care system. - Resources for prospective foster parents, including training, licensing, and support services. - Adoption services and support for families looking to adopt children in care. - Child protective services and emergency assistance for at-risk children. --- ### **2. Alaska Foster Parent Association (AFPA)** - **Purpose**: AFPA provides support, training, and resources for foster parents in Alaska, including advocacy for policies that improve the foster care system. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 479-3964 - **Website**: [www.akfosterparents.org](http://www.akfosterparents.org) - **Services**: - Foster parent advocacy and training to support new and experienced foster caregivers. - Networking opportunities and a community of support for foster families. - Resources for foster parents navigating the foster care system. - Assistance with licensing and best practices for foster care. --- ### **3. The Bridge (Anchorage)** - **Purpose**: The Bridge offers support to foster children and families, focusing on mental health services, family reunification, and educational support for children in care. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 563-1577 - **Website**: [www.thebridgeak.org](http://www.thebridgeak.org) - **Services**: - Behavioral health services for children in foster care. - Programs to help children in foster care transition back to their families or into permanent homes. - Case management and support for foster parents and families. - Educational and enrichment services for children in care. --- ### **4. Covenant House Alaska** - **Purpose**: Covenant House provides emergency shelter, housing, and support services for homeless youth, including those aging out of foster care. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 272-1255 - **Website**: [www.covenanthouseak.org](https://www.covenanthouseak.org) - **Services**: - Emergency shelter for youth, including those coming from the foster care system. - Transitional housing and case management for young adults aging out of foster care. - Life skills programs and educational support for at-risk youth. --- ### **5. Alaska Children's Trust** - **Purpose**: Alaska Children's Trust works to prevent child abuse and neglect by supporting organizations and programs that offer services to children and families, including foster care and adoption support. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 563-9300 - **Website**: [www.alaskachildrenstrust.org](https://www.alaskachildrenstrust.org) - **Services**: - Grant-making and funding for child welfare programs, including foster care services. - Support for organizations offering foster parent education, respite care, and family advocacy. - Programs focused on the prevention of child abuse and neglect. --- ### **6. Alaska Native Justice Center (ANJC)** - **Purpose**: ANJC provides legal advocacy for Alaska Native children in foster care, especially in the areas of family reunification and tribal rights. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 586-8850 - **Website**: [www.anjc.org](https://www.anjc.org) - **Services**: - Legal support for foster children and families, especially in cases involving Alaska Native children. - Assistance with navigating the foster care system and understanding tribal rights related to foster care and adoption. - Advocacy for the rights of foster children and families within the legal system. --- ### **7. Fairbanks Memorial Hospital - Alaska Family Services** - **Purpose**: This program offers foster care services, mental health counseling, and case management to children in foster care in the Fairbanks area. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 452-1776 - **Website**: [www.afs.org](http://www.afs.org) - **Services**: - Foster care placement services and support for families in the Fairbanks area. - Mental health and counseling services for children in foster care. - Educational and social services to support foster children and their families. --- ### **8. The Alaska Youth & Family Network (AYFN)** - **Purpose**: AYFN works to empower youth and families, including those in the foster care system, by providing advocacy and connecting families to resources. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 463-5337 - **Website**: [www.ayfn.org](https://www.ayfn.org) - **Services**: - Advocacy for children in foster care and their families, ensuring access to educational, mental health, and community resources. - Programs for youth transitioning out of foster care. - Support for foster parents and families dealing with the effects of the foster care system. --- ### **9. Boys & Girls Clubs of Alaska** - **Purpose**: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Alaska provide after-school programs, mentorship, and life skills development for children in foster care and at-risk youth. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 344-9045 - **Website**: [www.bgcalaska.org](https://www.bgcalaska.org) - **Services**: - Mentorship and life skills programs for children, including those in foster care. - Educational support and after-school activities to promote personal growth and success. - Support for youth in foster care who are transitioning into adulthood. --- ### **10. Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (ANDVSA)** - **Purpose**: While not focused solely on foster care, ANDVSA offers crucial support to foster children who may have experienced abuse or neglect, including resources for domestic violence survivors and related advocacy. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 586-3650 - **Website**: [www.andvsa.org](https://www.andvsa.org) - **Services**: - Advocacy for children affected by domestic violence, including those in the foster care system. - Training for foster parents on how to handle trauma, abuse, and domestic violence in children’s backgrounds. - Resources for emergency shelters and counseling services for children and families. --- These organizations and programs in Alaska provide a variety of services aimed at supporting foster children, families, and foster parents. They offer everything from placement services, education, and training to legal and emotional support, ensuring that children in the foster care system are given the best possible care and opportunities.