Transitioning out of foster care can feel like stepping into a vast unknown. As you approach adulthood, questions and anxieties naturally arise: Where will I live? How will I manage finances? Can I continue my education? What job opportunities are available? These concerns are valid, and it’s crucial to remember that you’re not alone. Support systems and resources exist to guide you through this significant life change, helping you prepare for independent living and locate Aged Out Of Foster Care Programs Near Me.
Understanding Extended Foster Care: A Bridge to Independence
Upon turning 18, the legal landscape shifts. You are recognized as an adult, empowered to make independent choices, including leaving foster care. However, this newfound freedom comes with considerable responsibilities. Independent living demands financial stability, encompassing rent, utilities, and daily expenses – a challenge even for those who haven’t experienced foster care. For young adults transitioning from foster care, this leap can be particularly daunting. While short-term financial aid options exist, sustained independence requires careful planning and stable employment.
Extended Foster Care offers a vital stepping stone. Choosing to remain in, or return to, foster care beyond 18 provides continued support and a structured environment. While in Extended Foster Care, you gain autonomy in decision-making but agree to abide by the guidelines of your placement. It’s important to note that placement availability isn’t guaranteed, and losing a placement might mean limited options for re-entry.
Extended Foster Care can extend until the last day of the month you turn 22, provided you meet specific criteria:
- Education: Regular attendance at high school or enrollment in a GED program.
- For those aged 18 until the last day of the month of their 21st birthday, eligibility expands to include:
- Higher Education: Enrollment in college, vocational, or technical programs (minimum 6 credit hours per semester).
- Employment Programs: Participation in activities that enhance employability. Discuss eligible activities with your caseworker and Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) worker.
- Employment: Working at least 80 hours per month.
- Educational Breaks: Remaining in Extended Foster Care during breaks between academic semesters (1-4 months), utilizing this time for work, internships, or volunteering, with the expectation of resuming classes in the subsequent session. You can also have a break of 1 to 3 ½ months after high school or GED before starting further education.
- Medical Condition: Inability to engage in the above activities due to a documented medical condition, such as receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to disability.
Maintaining eligibility for Extended Foster Care requires consistent engagement in these activities. Non-compliance may lead to leaving the program. Regular meetings with your caseworker are essential to ensure you’re on track and have necessary support for employment, education, or program enrollment. Communicate any needs for assistance promptly to your caseworker and PAL worker.
Returning to Extended Foster Care: Re-engaging Support Systems
Life after foster care can present unexpected challenges, and the option to return to Extended Foster Care offers a safety net. However, re-entry isn’t guaranteed. Placement availability can be a hurdle, and finding a placement in your desired location might be difficult. Previous foster homes may not have vacancies. Factors such as adult felony or misdemeanor convictions, child abuse or neglect findings, or a history of placement disruptions can further complicate the process.
If you’re considering returning to Extended Foster Care, proactive steps are essential. Contact your regional PAL Staff or reach out to the main CPS number (reporting abuse line – (800)252-5400), clearly stating you are an aged-out foster youth seeking to return to care and need to connect with regional PAL Staff. The Texas Foster Youth Justice Project can also provide valuable assistance.
For returns during school breaks (1-4 months), initiate contact with CPS well in advance – weeks ahead, not at the last minute – to facilitate a smoother process.
Supervised Independent Living (SIL): Gradual Transition to Autonomy
Supervised Independent Living (SIL) represents a modern approach to Extended Foster Care, designed for young adults ready for greater independence but still benefiting from support. SIL placements offer independent living in settings like apartments, dorms, or houses, while maintaining casework services and support. SIL providers offer diverse housing options, providing flexibility to suit individual needs. While caseworkers provide regular check-ins, 24/7 on-site supervision by foster parents or staff is absent. Depending on the SIL program, some on-site staff may be available.
In SIL, housing costs are covered by CPS, and you receive funds for expenses like food and phone. You manage daily living tasks such as meal preparation, cleaning, and laundry, fostering essential independent living skills. Importantly, income earned from employment while in SIL is yours to keep. With housing costs covered, this allows for significant savings towards future needs like housing after foster care or transportation.
Eligibility for SIL requires being between 18-20 years old, applying for an SIL placement, and demonstrating maturity and responsibility. You must also meet Extended Foster Care criteria: working, attending school, participating in training, or having a medical condition preventing these activities. More information on SIL is available on the DFPS website. SIL has become a popular option, offering a structured path to independence for young adults, including those who faced challenges in traditional foster care settings. It provides a crucial buffer against the hardships often encountered when aging out of the foster care system without adequate preparation.
Trial Independence: A Six-Month Stepping Stone
Upon leaving foster care at 18 or older, state law initiates a Trial Independence period, typically six months (extendable to 12 months with a court order). During this phase, you live independently while potentially receiving transitional benefits like the Transitional Living Allowance, Aftercare Room and Board, Education and Training Voucher (available even while in foster care), Aftercare Case Management, and Former Foster Care Children’s (FFCC) Medicaid. Regardless of trial independence status, the option to return to Extended Foster Care remains if eligibility criteria are met and placement is available. Your CPS court case remains open during Trial Independence, providing a safety net. While return to Extended Foster Care is possible after Trial Independence, court case closure is likely, potentially complicating future court assistance for transitional service issues.
An example of Trial Independence is moving to a college dorm. Returning to Extended Foster Care during summer break suspends Trial Independence, which restarts upon returning to college in the fall.
Trial Independence, while potentially sounding complex, is designed to facilitate the transition to independence and offer a pathway back to Extended Foster Care if needed, alongside providing access to essential support services. (It also serves administrative purposes for CPS to access federal funding for Extended Foster Care.) If Extended Foster Care isn’t desired, and only benefits for aged-out youth are needed, no specific action is required beyond taking steps to access desired benefits and services.
Limited Placement Options for Older Foster Youth: Planning is Key
Placement options for older foster youth, particularly those over 18, are unfortunately limited. While ongoing efforts aim to expand these options, availability can be a challenge, especially for returning to Extended Foster Care, particularly with a history of placement difficulties. Careful consideration of leaving care is therefore essential, prioritizing financial security and guaranteed income before transitioning out of your current placement. This is especially crucial if you are in education or have the option to remain in your current placement beyond 18. Conserving limited transitional funds for well-defined plans is advisable, rather than prematurely leaving care without resources to cover rent and bills.
If your current placement is unsuitable, but you are open to other foster care options, discuss possibilities with your caseworker and PAL worker. Transitional Living Programs or Supervised Independent Living placements might be available, potentially with waiting lists. Your caseworker can also explore future foster home openings.
Leaving Foster Care: A Planned Transition
When you decide to leave foster care, early notification to your caseworker and PAL worker is crucial. Advance notice allows for necessary arrangements and benefit initiation, preventing potential access issues common with sudden departures. Requesting a court order for a 12-month Trial Independence period (instead of the default 6 months) can also provide extended support.
Extended Court Jurisdiction: A Safety Net for Young Adults
Even after turning 18, the court overseeing your foster care case retains jurisdiction for specific periods. For those in Extended Foster Care, ongoing court oversight is legally mandated. Upon leaving foster care, court jurisdiction extends through the 6-12 month Trial Independence period. This extended jurisdiction is designed to offer court assistance during this transitional phase and expedite CPS support should you choose to return to Extended Foster Care. While hearings may occur, your attendance is not mandatory. However, attending hearings is advisable if concerns or issues arise. CPS oversight and contact are not maintained during this time unless transitional living services are requested (Transitional Living Allowance, Aftercare Room and Board, Education and Training Voucher, and Aftercare Case Management). If, as Trial Independence ends, you don’t wish to return to Extended Foster Care but desire continued court jurisdiction for potential future assistance, you can request the court to maintain jurisdiction until age 21.
The most effective way to communicate your preferences regarding extended jurisdiction or a 12-month Trial Independence is to attend court hearings and inform the Judge directly. Also, notify your caseworker, CASA, and Attorney Ad Litem. A written request to the court, including your full name, address, phone number, court name, and case number (if known), is another effective method.
Remember, at 18, you are legally an adult, no longer under CPS custody (conservatorship). The court cannot dictate your actions or living arrangements. Extended Court Jurisdiction is a beneficial provision, designed to support foster youth in achieving employment or education goals, addressing unmet needs, and resolving issues like obtaining identification documents and facilitating sibling contact.
If you require court assistance to access CPS services, contact the Texas Foster Youth Justice Project.
Planning for Your Life After Foster Care: Starting Early
Transition planning should commence as early as age 16 through meetings with your caseworker. (If not initiated by your caseworker, proactively request it!) Youth in Texas Juvenile Justice Department facilities who entered while in foster care remain eligible for Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program services, even if released after 18 and unable to return to foster care. Contact Disability Rights Texas at (800)252-9108 if PAL services are unavailable within your facility or for other assistance as a confined foster youth.
Your caseworker should collaborate with foster parents/caregivers, attorney ad litem, CASA, PAL worker, and Aftercare worker in this planning process. These meetings should define planning needs, discuss Extended Foster Care options, and detail the PAL program. Decisions will be made regarding utilizing a Circle of Support or Transition Plan Meetings for creating your transition plan.
Circle of Support: Building Your Network
A Circle of Support is a valuable tool for transition planning, comprising caring adults who form your support system. This group can include foster parents, teachers, relatives, church members, or mentors. Biological family, even parents with terminated rights (unless deemed unsafe), can be included. If living with family post-foster care is a consideration, inform Circle of Support planners and the court to explore this option. A Circle of Support facilitator, separate from your caseworker, guides the process and meetings, and will discuss inviting your attorney ad litem, CASA, and PAL worker. This group collaboratively develops a written transition plan. You have the right to request advance planning for Circle of Support meetings to ensure attendance and follow-up on action items, including subsequent meetings.
Transition Plan Meetings: Focused and Efficient Planning
Transition Plan Meetings offer an alternative for foster youth who don’t opt for a Circle of Support, or when time constraints necessitate quicker planning. Even after a Transition Plan Meeting, a Circle of Support can be established for broader involvement. In addition to your caseworker, you can invite two participants to these meetings to develop your independent living transition plan.
Contact the Texas Foster Youth Justice Project at (877) 313-3688 if dissatisfied with the planning process or if planning hasn’t begun by age 16 ½.
Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Program: Equipping You for Independence
The Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program, a component of Transitional Living Services, is specifically designed to aid your transition from foster care. PAL aims to identify and develop necessary independent living skills, provide training, case management, and limited financial aid post-foster care. DFPS manages the PAL program, partnering with agencies to deliver services.
When encountering the term “PAL,” seek clarification on the specific aspect being discussed, as it encompasses various activities, workers, and agencies involved in transitional services. PAL workers, employed by the CPS Preparation for Adult Living program, are your primary contacts for transition-related services and resources, including all aspects of Transitional Living Services.
PAL program services are available to current and aged-out foster youth aged 16-21, and in some cases, 14-15 year olds. The program serves both youth still in care and those who have aged out.
Independent Living Skills Assessment: Identifying Strengths and Needs
Around your 16th birthday, DFPS mandates a Casey Life Skills Assessment to evaluate your preparedness for independent living. This assessment is also completed by someone familiar with you, like a foster parent, staff member, or caseworker. This assessment, required before age 16 ½ and ideally before the Life Skills Training Class (PAL class), helps you, your caregiver, and caseworker assess your readiness for independence, identify strengths, and pinpoint areas needing further development, such as money management, cooking, cleaning, and job skills. Utilize this assessment as a roadmap to identify skills to cultivate for successful independent living.
How to Contact PAL (Preparation for Adult Living) Workers: Connecting to Resources
To find the PAL office serving your area, you can search online for “DFPS Preparation for Adult Living” or use the provided link to locate your regional office. Contact the office corresponding to your current location. If you encounter issues with incorrect office information or lack of response, contact the State PAL office at (512)438-5442.
Life Skills Training Class: Building Essential Competencies
The Life Skills Training Class, often referred to as PAL class, is offered to all foster youth aged 16 and older. While frequently called PAL or PAL class, it’s just one component of the broader Preparation for Adult Living program. This class provides crucial training for independent living, covering six key domains:
- Health and Safety
- Housing and Transportation
- Job Readiness
- Financial Management
- Life Decisions and Responsibilities
- Personal and Social Relationships
This comprehensive program involves at least 30 hours of training, typically delivered over several weeks in evenings or weekends. Some agencies may offer weekend-long intensive programs. This class serves as an introduction to essential independent living skills, requiring ongoing development and practice beyond the class.
Crucially, successful completion of at least 5 out of 6 areas, including financial management, is mandatory for eligibility for the $1,000 Transitional Services Allowance. Taking the class after leaving foster care will not qualify you for this allowance. If you haven’t been scheduled for a class before your 17th birthday, or if your placement isn’t facilitating class attendance, contact your regional PAL Staff. If issues persist, reach out to the Texas Foster Youth Justice Project.
In specific cases, DFPS Preparation for Adult Living program approval allows for completing the Life Skills Training class via an independent study guide. This requires close collaboration with an adult mentor who oversees and assists with projects and tasks. While the class is generally preferred, the independent study guide is an option if class attendance is impossible before leaving care. Request this option proactively, allowing ample time for completion.
Financial Services: Support for Independent Living Expenses
Transitional Living Allowance and Aftercare Room and Board are financial assistance programs available upon leaving foster care. Refer to the Housing section for detailed information.
Health Care Benefits: Continued Coverage Until 26
Aged-out foster youth in Texas qualify for free health insurance until age 26. Upon leaving foster care at 18 or older, automatic enrollment in Former Foster Care Children’s (FCC) Medicaid Insurance should occur. However, you must take steps to maintain this coverage until you turn 26. Consult the Health Insurance/Medical section of the website for detailed procedures.
Case Management for Aged Out Foster Youth: Ongoing Support and Guidance
Post-foster care, case management services are available until age 21 to support your transition to independence. Case managers, typically employed by private agencies contracted with CPS (varying by region), assist with accessing benefits, housing, employment, job training, college/education applications, financial aid, independent living planning, budgeting, bank account setup, and more. Utilizing case management services is voluntary. Contact your regional or state Preparation for Adult Living office for assistance in accessing these services.
Living with Biological Parent When Aging Out of Foster Care: Navigating Complexities
Returning to a biological parent or the person you were removed from is a choice some foster youth make. As long as CPS conservatorship remains until age 18, eligibility for aged-out foster youth benefits should not be affected, even if CPS places you in your parent’s home. Conservatorship signifies a court order placing you under CPS’s charge. However, if the court grants custody or adoption to your biological parent/s or another party before age 18, it may impact benefit eligibility. This complex situation warrants detailed discussion with your PAL worker, attorney ad litem, and CASA if considering leaving CPS conservatorship before 18. Even if considered aged out, Transitional Living Allowance and Aftercare Room and Board might be withheld if CPS deems living with a biological parent or the removed person a threat to your health and safety, as funds are not intended to support those who might mistreat you.
Educational, Vocational, and Supportive Services: Pathways to Success
All youth, regardless of foster care status or age, can access assistance from PAL Staff for:
- Obtaining Tuition Waiver letters.
- Information and application assistance for the Education Training Voucher (ETV) program.
- College/education applications and financial aid applications.
Additional services, subject to need and funding, include:
- Vocational assessments and/or training.
- GED classes.
- College entrance exam preparation.
- Driver education.
- High school graduation expenses.
- Identification documents.
- Counseling.
- Volunteer mentoring programs.
Transition Planning Assistance: Dedicated Support Personnel
Regional PAL Staff provide crucial transitional services for youth still in foster care. PAL Staff or Coordinators assist you and your caseworker in transition preparation, participate in planning, explain foster youth benefits, help identify and access regional education, employment, and housing resources, aid in obtaining identification documents, and guide higher education and financial aid applications.
Other Preparation for Adult Living Program Activities: Expanding Your Horizons
Statewide Teen Conference: An annual three-day conference on a college campus, with workshops addressing key issues for foster youth preparing for adulthood. Requires adult sponsor (caseworker or PAL worker).
Statewide Youth Leadership Council: Composed of two current/former foster youth from each region, providing youth input for policy and program development and recommendations to improve child and youth services.
Regional Youth Leadership Council: Some CPS regions have regional councils. Contact your regional PAL worker for information.
Regional Activities: Various regional activities may include teen conferences, college visits, wilderness trips, mentor programs, support groups, job development workshops, and youth forums.
PAL College Conference: A two-day weekend conference at Texas A&M University-Commerce focused on higher education opportunities in Texas colleges.
PEAKS Camp: A four-day camp fostering self-esteem, problem-solving, communication skills, and fun activities.
Aging-Out Seminars/ Transitional Living Conference: A one-day program required for foster youth age 17 in licensed or verified care, building upon Life Skills Training Class content.
Contact your regional PAL Staff and caseworker for information and participation in statewide or regional events, services, and resources.
Transition Centers: Your One-Stop Resource Hub
Transition Centers act as centralized hubs for older foster youth and aged-out youth, and often extend services to other older youth, homeless youth, at-risk youth, and young adults (sometimes up to age 25). Transition Centers are accessible to both current and former foster youth, serving as central points for programs like Preparation for Adult Living (PAL). They offer job skill development, job searching, career exploration, college enrollment assistance, flexible high school diploma/GED programs, financial aid application help (including Education and Training Voucher – ETV), housing assistance, identification document support, mentoring, and information on aged-out foster youth benefits.
Services vary by Transition Center. Visiting your local center and familiarizing yourself with staff and offerings is recommended. As part of your transition plan, ensure a visit to a Transition Center. If relocating within the state, remember that Transition Centers exist in other regions. Even if center access is difficult, contact them to learn about available support and how they can assist you.
Typical Transition Center offerings include:
- Bus tokens.
- Housing Assistance.
- Employment and Education Assistance.
- Counseling.
- Computer Labs and Internet access.
- ETV and financial aid application support.
- Information on aged-out foster youth financial benefits.
- Limited case management for former foster youth ages 21-25.
- Case manager staff for aged-out foster youth.
A current list of Transition Centers in Texas is available online. To find “aged out of foster care programs near me,” Transition Centers are a key local resource to investigate.
Other Resources: Expanding Your Support Network
Texas Foster Youth Connections is a valuable project providing general tips and information for foster youth and youth preparing for independent living.
Texas Foster Youth Connections offers information on:
- Foster care records.
- Job opportunities.
- Hotlines.
- Housing.
- Finance.
- Education.
- Healthcare.
- Numerous other support areas for young adults transitioning to independence.
The Texas Youth Hotline is another resource for current and former foster youth, offering confidential counseling, information, referrals, and service location assistance. Call (800)989-6884, chat online, or text (512)872-5777.
Guidance counselors at your current or former high school and graduates can also provide valuable support and advice.
211: Connecting to Local Health and Human Services
Dialing 211 connects you with health and human services in your community. Visit 211Texas.org for program information. This service is invaluable for finding local support services and programs relevant to your needs as you navigate life after foster care and search for aged out of foster care programs near me.
Conclusion: Empowering Your Journey to Independence
Aging out of foster care is a significant transition, but numerous programs and resources are available to support you. From Extended Foster Care and Supervised Independent Living to Transition Centers and dedicated support staff, help is within reach. Proactive planning, early engagement with caseworkers and PAL workers, and utilizing resources like Transition Centers and 211 are crucial steps. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. By actively seeking out and utilizing aged out of foster care programs near me and the broader network of support, you can build a successful and independent future.
