Family and Me (FAM) 2.0 A New Model of Foster Care for Youth Impacted by Commercial Sexual Exploitation in San Francisco

Key Takeaways

• The FAM 2.0 model introduced a relationship-centered foster care approach for youth affected by commercial sexual exploitation in San Francisco, incorporating alternative caregivers, flexible funding, and trauma-informed caregiver training to improve stability, safety, and well-being.
• Alternative caregivers played a pivotal role in fostering relational continuity, providing safe spaces during transitions, and enhancing youth stability by serving as consistent, trusted adults. The model emphasized youth agency in choosing their alternative caregivers, which contributed to increased trust and autonomy.
• The FAM pilot’s flexible funding model was essential for enabling youth to meet both enrichment and basic needs, such as groceries and transportation, reflecting systemic gaps in existing public assistance. These funds empowered youth agency and supported their well-being while overcoming bureaucratic limitations.
• The evaluation demonstrated significant positive outcomes for both youth and caregivers, including improvements in placement stability, caregiver satisfaction, and mental health among youth. Caregivers experienced enhanced financial capacity and support networks, reducing burnout.
• Critical operational challenges were identified, such as the need for streamlined coordination, role clarity, and sustainable funding strategies to ensure program continuity and replicability. Implementation reflected strong cross-agency collaborations and shared commitment to relational care.
• Key recommendations emphasize sustaining interim funding until 2027, formalizing the alternative caregiver role, supporting future statewide replication, creating dedicated flexible funding streams, and prioritizing youth voice in all facets of the model.