Family Support Services

We provide services to help families thrive

Sometimes families need help. Maybe it’s help with meeting concrete needs, like paying for child care or putting food on the table. Maybe it’s help with overcoming challenges, like getting back to work after a long stretch of unemployment. Or maybe it’s help to better understand your child’s developmental needs and build your parenting skills.

Women, Infants, & Children

Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and community services. Families of all types qualify for WIC.

WIC clients are pregnant, postpartum, and/or breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age five. To receive WIC, parents or guardians must meet income eligibility requirements or receive Denali Kid Care, the Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP), or SNAP. If you don’t qualify for these programs, you may still qualify for WIC by meeting the income guidelines for your household.

See State WIC Site

Apply Online!

Application Forms

Step 1:

Fill out a WIC Family Information Form

If you are unable to sign the second page of this form, please enter your initials with the date next to the signature line.

Step 2:

Fill out an application for each person you are applying for:

WIC Child Application
WIC Infant Application
WIC Pregnant Women Application
WIC Breastfeeding & Postpartum Application

Step 3:

Email your ID's, proof of income, & forms to valleywic@gmail.com or drop off at an office near you.

Locations

Alaska Family Services’ WIC clinics are located in Palmer, Wasilla, Kenai, and Homer and our WIC services extend to all Mat-Su communities, Seward and the communities surrounding Kachemak Bay.

Wasilla WIC
777 N. Crusey St. Ste. B201
Wasilla, AK 99654
Phone: 907-376-4080
Fax: 907-373-0640

Palmer WIC
1825 S. Chugach St.
Palmer, AK 99645
Phone: 907-746-4080
Fax: 907-746-1177

Homer WIC
3446 Main St.
Homer, AK 99603
Phone: 907-235-5495
Fax: 907-235-0655

Kenai WIC
601 Frontage Rd. Ste. 209
Kenai, AK 99611
Phone: 907-283-4172
Toll Free: 1-800-687-4172
Fax: 907-283-4174

Breastfeeding Peer Counselors

Breastfeeding Peer Counseling offers you a unique opportunity to talk to someone who is trained in providing breastfeeding support, has experience being on Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and went through a breastfeeding journey with their own children.

Our Breastfeeding Peer Counselors will provide you with guidance, support, and up-to-date information while you are pregnant and especially after delivery. You will have unrestricted access to the peer counselor via phone, even after WIC office hours and on weekends. Breastfeeding Peer Counselors will help prevent and handle most common breastfeeding concerns and will provide a referral to a lactation consultant if further assistance is needed.

Any breastfeeding mom can participate in our Zoom breastfeeding classes, facilitated by a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor. In order meet individually with Breastfeeding Peer Counselors you must be a client of the WIC program.

Contact Dasha at 376-4080 for more information on our breastfeeding classes.

Child Care Assistance Program

Alaska Family Services’ Child Care Assistance Program assists families with children ages 12 and under to pay for quality child care services while parents or guardians are participating in an eligible activity, such as working or attending an educational or job training program.

Based on their household size and monthly gross income, families pay a monthly contribution to their child care provider.

Eligibility for families is based on family size and gross monthly income. The family must use a child care provider who has elected to receive payments from the Child Care Assistance Program. Benefits are paid directly to the child care provider.

For qualifying families, child care assistance offers two different types of assistance:

Parents Achieving Self Sufficiency (PASS II)

This assistance issues benefits for families that are leaving the Temporary Assistance Program. PASS II assistance is provided for a 12-month period for families that still need help with child care while attending work, job training, or schooling.

Parents Achieving Self Sufficiency (PASS III)

Support for families that are working, in job training, or attending schooling that are not leaving the Temporary Assistance program but need assistance affording child care.

View Pass II/Pass III Brochure

Apply/Renew

You can apply or renew online for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) on the
Alaska Child Care Information System (AKCCIS) at: www.akccis.com.

If it is your first time using AKCCIS, you will need to first create an account, which will allow you access to the portal.

If you are approved for Child Care Assistance, you will be able to view your child care authorization document(s) and important notices that require your attention.

Child Care Forms

CC24- Health Status Report

CC36- Employment Statement

CC37- Family Report of Change

CC38- Monthly Tip Ledger

CC39- Self-Employment Income / Deduction Worksheet

State of Alaska- Child Care Program Office Link

Child Care Assistance Locations & Contact

The Anchorage Child Care Assistance Program office provides services to eligible families within the Municipality of Anchorage.
ccaanc@akafs.org

2525 Gambell St. Ste. 220
Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: 907-644-5000
Fax: 907-644-5020

The Central and Coastal Child Care Assistance Program office provides services to eligible families in communities that include but are not limited to:

Central areas include the Mat-Su Borough as well as the Valdez and Cordova census areas.
centralcca@akafs.org

Coastal areas include the Aleutian Chain, Bristol Bay Area, Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak, Kotzebue, and Nome.
coastal.cca@akafs.org

777 N Crusey St. Ste. B201
Wasilla, AK 99654
Phone: 907-373-4450
Fax: 1-888-415-6868

In the Kenai area, documents may be submitted at the AFS Kenai WIC office:

601 Frontage Road, Suite 209
Kenai, AK 99611
Drop-box available 24/7.

Anchorage Child Care & Early Education (ACCEE) Fund

Early Educator Child Care Subsidy Program

Subsidy Program for Child Care Employees in Anchorage

Alaska Family Services, Inc. is pleased to announce the 2026 continuation of the ACCEE Fund Early Educator Child Care Subsidy Program - a program funded by the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA) through the Anchorage Child Care Early Education Fund!

This program helps reduce the financial burden of child care for Anchorage’s dedicated child care workforce.

Families may apply at any time and may be eligible for subsidy starting the 1^st of the month in which they apply!

Child care facilities may enroll at any time!

Applications are available in the links to the right or from the Anchorage office of Alaska Family Services, Inc. Applications may be submitted by email, in-person, by mail, in our drop-box, or by fax.

In-person or mail: 2525 Gambell St., Suite 220, Anchorage, AK 99503
Email: anc_earlyedcc@akafs.org
Phone: 907-644-5000
Fax: 907-644-5020

Eligibility

Family Eligibility

The family must live in the Municipality of Anchorage.
At least one parent of the family must work for a child care facility in the Municipality of Anchorage, a minimum of 20 hours per week. This includes facilities that have a Child Care License issued by the Municipality of Anchorage; accredited camp programs; and a non-relative provider who provides legal, Municipality of Anchorage Child Care License-Exempt child care to four or fewer children who are not relatives.
The family must use child care services in the Municipality of Anchorage for a child younger than thirteen years of age, while a parent is working for a child care facility, a minimum of 20 hours per week. Child care service providers may include a facility that has a Child Care License issued by the Municipality of Anchorage; accredited camp programs; a non-relative provider who provides legal, Municipality of Anchorage Child Care License-Exempt child care to four or fewer children who are not relatives; a State of Alaska Child Care License-Exempt Approved Relative Provider; and a State of Alaska Child Care License-Exempt In-Home Provider.

Child Care Provider Eligibility

Child care providers operating in the Municipality of Anchorage may apply to receive subsidy payments on behalf of a qualified family. Those providers include, facilities that have a Child Care License issued by the Municipality of Anchorage; accredited camp programs; a non-relative provider who provides legal, Municipality of Anchorage Child Care License-Exempt child care to four or fewer children who are not relatives; a State of Alaska Child Care License-Exempt Approved Relative Provider; and a State of Alaska Child Care License-Exempt In-Home Provider.

Families

Family Application

The following information will need to be submitted within thirty (30) days of submitting the application. The sooner it’s received, the quicker the process will go!

Verification of the family’s residence in the MOA. This can be provided with recent mail sent to the address, copy of a current lease, recent utility bill, etc. If additional options are needed, please call 907-644-5000 to discuss.
Verification of the parent’s employment at a child care facility in the MOA, at least twenty (20) hours per week. This can be provided with a copy of their most recent pay stub or verification from the employer, either written or verbal.
Verification of their child’s/children’s current enrollment at a child care facility in the MOA. This can be provided with a copy of their current authorization document from any child care assistance/subsidy program, a copy of their current CCAP Child Care Assistance Application - Approved Notice, or verification from the facility, either written or verbal.
The family must apply for State of Alaska PASS II/III *CCAP and provide a copy of either their CCAP Child Care Assistance Application - Approved Notice, a copy of their current PASS II/III CCAP authorization document, or CCAP Child Care Assistance Application - Denied Notice**.

*If the family is receiving any PASS I CCAP or have children receiving PASS IV CCAP, or the family has child care assistance/subsidy that is not part of the State of Alaska CCAP they will not need to apply for PASS II/III CCAP and instead will provide a copy of their current authorization document. --OR-- If the family’s gross monthly income exceeds the maximum qualifying income for the CCAP, they may submit verification of household income with the ACCEE Fund Early Educator Child Care Subsidy application rather than apply for CCAP.

**If the family was denied for CCAP within the past 12 months, that notice may be accepted, based on the reason for the denial.

Do I also need to apply for State of Alaska Child Care Assistance?

To determine if your household’s income may exceed the maximum limit to qualify for the State of Alaska Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), please refer to the amounts listed below. If it does exceed the maximum amount and your family does not receive any other child care subsidy, you may submit income verification with your application for the ACCEE Fund Early Educator Child Care Subsidy Program, rather than apply for CCAP.

Reference: State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Assistance, Child Care Program Office, Family Income and Contribution Schedule, Revised February 21, 2022.

Child Care Providers

The following information will need to be submitted within thirty (30) days of submitting the application.

A copy of all rates and fees charged by your facility, including definitions of age categories*; and
A current IRS Form W-9

If you are a non-relative provider who provides legal, Municipality of Anchorage Child Care License-Exempt child care to four or fewer children who are not relatives, you will also need to submit copies of your current State of Alaska and Municipality of Anchorage business licenses.

*If you are an In-Home Caregiver for a State of Alaska Child Care License-Exempt In-Home Provider, you will only need to submit a current IRS Form W-9 in addition to the application.

FAQ's

Questions & Application Help

Family Application

Provider Application

Facility Payment Request Form

ACCEE Fund Subsidy Program Flyer Download

Family Support and Preservation Program

The Family Support & Preservation Program (FSPP) offers a range of programs that teach parenting skills and strategies, strengthen parent and child relationships, and help keep children safe.

For more information call (907) 745-4920 or email FSPP@akafs.org

Family Contact Services (FCS)

Building on parenting strengths while supporting safe, child-centered connections.

Overview

Family Contact Services (FCS) provides safe, supervised visits for children and their parents when families are separated due to out-of-home placement. These visits are more than just scheduled time together — they’re an opportunity to strengthen parenting skills, rebuild trust, and support the family’s path toward reunification.

FCS uses the Strengthening Families framework and is a pilot site for R.O.C.K. Mat-Su's Family Contact Best Practices work. FCS offers individualized support aligned with parenting goals developed in collaboration with the parent and with input from referring partners to ensure alignment of support and case goals. Parent coaching and feedback is a key part of our approach, helping caregivers engage in positive, developmentally appropriate, child-centered interactions with their children.

Program Features

Supervised Family Time: Safe, structured visits in a supportive, home-like environment
Parent Coaching: Real-time feedback to support skill-building and confident parenting
Activity Planning: Help designing visits around child-centered, age-appropriate activities
Collaborative Service Planning: Planning with families and referring partners to align support and case goals
Case Communication: Timely updates shared with OCS to support transitions and planning

Eligibility

In-Home Support Services

Supporting safe, responsive parenting and building on family strengths through home-based parent coaching, education, and connection.

Overview

In-Home Support is a parenting support program for families referred by the Office of Children’s Services (OCS). This service provides home-based education and guidance to help families stabilize and strengthen parenting skills during times of high stress—especially when children are at risk of removal or are returning home from OCS custody.

The program uses evidence-based parenting curricula tailored to meet each family’s unique needs:

Nurturing Skills for Families – includes adaptations for military families and families with special needs
Circle of Security Parenting – helps parents better understand and strengthen their relationships with their children, based on decades of attachment research
Active Parenting Now – supports parents of children ages 5–12 in raising responsible, cooperative kids who can resist negative peer pressure and thrive

Program Features

Eligibility

Case Plan Support Services

Helping parents break down case plan goals into clear, achievable steps with consistent, compassionate support.

Overview

Case Plan Support Services provide one-on-one support to help parents understand and make progress on their OCS case plan goals. By breaking down complex requirements into manageable steps, we help caregivers stay focused, reduce overwhelm, and build confidence. This service emphasizes shared planning, regular check-ins, and concrete action steps tailored to each family's needs and priorities.

The goal is to build trust, strengthen communication between families and referring partners, and support meaningful progress toward reunification and long-term stability.

Program Features

Collaborative Service Planning: Work with parents to break down OCS case plan goals into actionable steps
Goal Tracking and Progress Monitoring: Regular check-ins and adjustments to keep things manageable and measurable
Concrete Supports and Referrals: Help accessing resources and services that reduce barriers to progress
Flexible Scheduling and Meeting Locations: Support is provided where and when it works best for the family
Parent Advocacy and Skill-Building: Coaching and support to help parents participate confidently in case-related meetings and activities

Eligibility

Parenting Classes

Building confidence, connection, and practical skills to support every stage of parenting.

Overview

Our Parenting Classes provide caregivers with tools to strengthen their relationships with their children, manage challenging behaviors, and build a more connected, resilient family. Whether parenting young children or teens, our classes offer a supportive space to reflect, learn, and grow alongside other caregivers.

Each class is guided by experienced facilitators and uses evidence-based curricula tailored to children's developmental stages. Classes are offered in group settings and cover topics such as communication, discipline, child development, and emotional connection.

Program Features

Evidence-Based Curriculum: Classes such as Circle of Security Parenting and Active Parenting Now, designed to support parenting at different stages
Interactive Group Learning: Small group settings that encourage discussion, reflection, and peer support
Practical Strategies: Tools for building secure attachments, setting healthy boundaries, and navigating stress
Completion Certificates: Provided for participants who attend all required sessions
Welcoming Environment: Classes are designed to be inclusive, judgment-free, and supportive of all family types

Eligibility

Cost

$75 per participant
This one-time fee covers all class materials and participation in the full course series.

Payment options: Cash or credit card. Payment is due at the first session unless other arrangements are made in advance.

If this class is part of your case plan with the Office of Children’s Services (OCS), you may be eligible for fee coverage. Please contact your caseworker to ask if payment through OCS is possible.

Circles of Security Parenting Class

Overview

Learning Objectives

Cohort Schedule

Day of the Week: Thursdays

Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Parenting Classes are offered in alternating cohorts throughout the year.

Palmer Cohorts
August 2026 • January 2027 • May 2027
Location:
Alaska Family Services – Administration Building
AFS Classroom
1825 S. Chugach Street
Palmer, AK 99645

Wasilla Cohorts
October 2026 • March 2027
Location:
Mat-Su Health Foundation Building
Alaska Family Services Offices (2nd Floor)
AFS Conference Room
777 N. Crusey Street
Wasilla, AK 99654

Click the image below to view the class schedule.

Work Services and Job Development

The Work Services and Job Development (WSJD) helps clients gain employment for their families, keep employment, and/or progress employment by either promotion or improved status.

WSJD case technicians provide one on one support to help the parents we serve achieve work readiness. The WSJD job developer partners with clients for resume and other work readiness specific training and works with local employers in the community to match them with clients seeking employment.

WSJD serves individuals referred by the Department of Public Assistance (DPA). When a family has been on the Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP) with DPA for 24 months, the parents are referred to WSJD for a more intense job search or job development. Families are eligible for services for the next 36 months.

For more information call (907) 352-2600.

Special Santa

The Mat-Su Special Santa program was founded in 1997 and has helped over 47,000 Mat-Su children, newborns to 18 year olds, receive holiday gifts.

Special Santa helps spread the magic of Christmas by providing families in need with presents for their children and bringing the community together through volunteer opportunities in the workshop for fundraising events.

For more information, applications & donation forms, please visit www.specialsanta.net.