Fairbanks Counseling and Adoption is a professional, non-profit, family service agency.

In October 1977, a group of concerned citizens led by Bishop Robert Whelan gathered to lay the foundation for Fairbanks Counseling & Adoption. The agency arose from concerns over community need, specifically in the areas of rising divorce rates, child abuse and neglect, delinquency, teen pregnancy and suicide. FCA first opened its doors offering pastoral family counseling and adoption services. Within one year, services for pregnant teens were added.

In the mid-eighties, the agency made a major shift to licensed professional counseling and quickly earned an excellent reputation for working with young victims of abuse and neglect. Clinicians added a variety of workshops for women working through histories of childhood abuse or depression, and counseling for relationship issues. The eighties also saw the expansion of adoption services and the first “open adoptions.” Counselors began parenting classes for teen parents and a series of school presentations focusing on teen pressures, concerns and responsibilities, with the goal of reducing teen pregnancies.

The 1990’s brought the inception of the “Connections” group – an on-going group for teens in long-term foster care. Possibly the most influential group to date, the “Connections” group reconfirmed the importance of consistent, long-term services when working with youth. Over the last couple of years, the clinical team has focused their experience towards designing and implementing the pilot “Challenge Program,” a long-term activity-based therapeutic program offering a variety of indoor and outdoor challenges and opportunities to youth.

FCA moved to 912 Barnette Street in the Fall of 1994. With the new spacious layout, FCA was able to expand programs and counseling offices. Programs such as Supervised Visitations, the Responsible Fathers Program, and the Garden Project are a few examples of the inovative and thoughtful treatment services FCA is known to give the community.

For twenty-five years, Fairbanks Counseling & Adoption’s commitment to children and families has guided program development and quality of service delivery. Since FCA's inception, generous community support has been the backbone of the agency. At this important milestone, we want to thank all of you who have helped us continue to provide services to youth and families in need in the Fairbanks borough. Together, we can make a difference.