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Changing the world by changing a child’s life. |
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About DFS |
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DFS Statistics
Serving Alaska’s children for over 15 years.
Denali Family Services (DFS) is based in Anchorage Alaska with a satellite office in Wasilla. DFS provides mental and emotional health services to children and adults who suffer severe mental health problems.
Last year we provided services to 243 children. 9 Adults have also benefited from significant counseling and support.
89% of children have graduated our Therapeutic Preschool and have been successfully placed in the Anchorage School District.
86 Number of children DFS has in our Therapeutic Foster Care Program.
Our History:
Denali Family Services (DFS) was incorporated in May 1995 as Alternatives Child and Family Guidance Clinic. At that time, the agency operated as an outpatient psychological and psychiatric provider with a child protection visitation program. In December of 1995, Denali Family Services was accepted as an Alaska Youth Initiative (AYI) provider. As an AYI provider, DFS was allowed to serve the most acute children with mental illness residing outside of psychiatric residential settings. By 1996, the agency grew from approximately 15 employees to 98 employees and provided wrap-around services for the “severely emotionally disturbed” (SED). In 1997, DFS became a child placement agency with the ability to recruit, license, train, and supervise foster homes and place children in those homes. In 2002, the agency joined in a partnership with Life Quest to provide therapeutic foster care services for that agency’s AYI consumers. Also, in July 2002, Alternatives changed its name to Denali Family Services to better communicate to the community the focus of its services. Denali’s mission is “Supporting Children and Families through Individualized Community Based Services."
Our Mission: Supporting children and families through individualized community- based services.
Our Vision: To be a recognized center of excellence in preventing and healing emotional trauma through advanced expertise and high quality programs.
Our Values:
Sensitivity to Community and family needs
Courageous advocacy / leadership
Innovation
Evidence-based practice
Providing quality services that promote healing
Respect and appreciation for cultural values of staff and clients |
