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

Summary

Family and Me (FAM) 2.0 was an innovative family-based foster care model designed to serve youth who had experienced or were at risk of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) in San Francisco, California, and who were involved in the child welfare system. Traditional child welfare structures often fail to meet these youth’s needs, leading to cycles of placement disruption, homelessness, and instability. The FAM pilot ran from January 2023 to December 2025, and introduced a new, relationship-centered approach built on three components: 1) Alternative caregivers: trusted adults chosen by youth who, alongside a primary caregiver, provided safe respite and relational support, and who promoted shared caregiving while receiving a monthly stipend; 2) Flexible funding: which included discretionary funds for youth to promote enrichment, well-being, and bonding with family and friends, as well as to meet urgent needs; and 3) Caregiver training and support: on CSE, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care paired with optional caregiver consult groups. The model aimed to enhance placement stability, safety, relational continuity, and overall well-being for highly vulnerable youth.