Leaving foster care is a significant life transition, often occurring as young adults reach the age of majority. This period, known as “ageing out,” can be fraught with uncertainty and challenges as individuals navigate independence, often without the familial safety nets many of their peers rely upon. Fortunately, foster care systems are increasingly recognizing the need for extended support, offering programs designed to ease this transition and promote self-sufficiency. This article delves into the critical aspects of Ageing Out Of Foster Care Programs, exploring the available resources, support systems, and pathways to a successful independent life.
Understanding Extended Foster Care
Upon turning 18, young adults are legally recognized as adults, granting them the autonomy to leave foster care. While this independence is a legal right, departing from care prematurely can present substantial difficulties. Many young people, regardless of their foster care background, find independent living challenging. Managing finances, securing housing, and handling daily responsibilities require a level of preparedness that can be particularly daunting for those transitioning from care. While some short-term financial aid may be accessible, sustained self-sufficiency necessitates stable employment and meticulous financial planning.
Extended Foster Care offers a vital alternative. It allows young adults to remain in care beyond the age of 18, providing continued support and stability. Participation in Extended Foster Care involves adhering to the guidelines of the living arrangement and program requirements, though legal control shifts from child protective services (CPS) to the individual. Decision-making autonomy is granted, but program compliance is essential. Placement availability is also a factor, and loss of placement may not guarantee a replacement. Eligibility for Extended Foster Care generally extends up to the age of 21, and in some cases until the age of 22, provided specific criteria are met.
Eligibility Requirements for Extended Foster Care (Ages 18-22/21):
- Education: Regular attendance at high school or enrollment in a GED program.
- Higher Education/Vocational Training (Ages 18-21): Enrollment in a college, university, or post-secondary vocational or technical program for a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester.
- Employment Programs: Active participation in an employment program or activity designed to facilitate employment or remove employment barriers. This can encompass a wide array of activities aimed at enhancing employability.
- Employment: Working at least 80 hours per month.
- Breaks in Education: Extended Foster Care can accommodate breaks between school semesters, typically ranging from 1 to 4 months. These breaks are opportune times for gaining work experience through jobs, internships, or volunteer roles, with the requirement of resuming classes at the start of the subsequent session.
- Medical Condition: Inability to engage in the above activities due to a documented medical condition, such as receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits due to disability.
Maintaining eligibility for Extended Foster Care necessitates ongoing engagement in these activities. Non-compliance can lead to program termination. Regular communication with caseworkers is crucial to ensure continued eligibility and to develop necessary support plans. Seeking assistance promptly from caseworkers and Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) workers is advised for challenges related to employment, education, or program participation.
Getting Ready to Live on Your Own
Returning to Extended Foster Care: Options and Considerations
Re-entry into Extended Foster Care after initially leaving is a possibility, but it is not guaranteed. Placement availability can be a limiting factor, and desired locations may not always be attainable. Previous foster home placements might not have openings. Factors such as adult felony or misdemeanor convictions, substantiated child abuse or neglect findings, or a history of placement disruptions can further complicate re-entry.
For young adults considering returning to Extended Foster Care, proactive steps are essential. Contacting the regional PAL Staff or the main CPS number dedicated to reporting abuse and expressing the desire to return to foster care as an aged-out youth is recommended. Organizations like the Texas Foster Youth Justice Project can also offer assistance in navigating this process.
Planning ahead is particularly crucial for utilizing Extended Foster Care during school breaks. Contacting CPS well in advance, ideally weeks before the intended return, is advisable to facilitate a smoother process. Last-minute requests may encounter logistical challenges.
Supervised Independent Living (SIL): Fostering Autonomy with Support
Supervised Independent Living (SIL) represents an innovative approach within Extended Foster Care. SIL programs enable young adults to live more independently while still benefiting from casework services and support. SIL placements can encompass various housing arrangements, including apartments, dormitories, or houses, offering flexibility in living environments. While caseworkers provide periodic check-ins, SIL differs from traditional foster care by not having 24/7 on-site supervision from foster parents or staff. Depending on the specific SIL program, some on-site staff support might be available.
In SIL, housing costs are covered by CPS, and participants typically receive funds to assist with expenses such as food and phone services. Managing daily living tasks, including meal preparation, cleaning, and laundry, becomes the responsibility of the young adult. Importantly, participants in SIL who are employed retain their earnings, allowing them to save for future expenses like housing after leaving care or transportation needs.
Eligibility for SIL programs generally requires being between 18 and 20 years of age, applying for SIL placement, and demonstrating maturity and responsibility. Meeting the Extended Foster Care criteria of working, attending school, participating in training, or having a qualifying medical condition is also necessary. SIL has become an increasingly utilized option, providing a valuable stepping stone towards independence for young adults leaving foster care, offering a structured environment with reduced supervision to practice independent living skills while still having a safety net of support.
Trial Independence: A Transitional Phase
Leaving foster care at 18 or older often initiates a period of Trial Independence, typically lasting six months, with the possibility of extension up to 12 months through a court order. During this phase, young adults live independently while potentially receiving transitional benefits, such as a Transitional Living Allowance, Aftercare Room and Board, Education and Training Vouchers (ETV – even accessible while in foster care), Aftercare Case Management, and Former Foster Care Children’s (FFCC) Medicaid. Crucially, the option to return to Extended Foster Care remains available during Trial Independence, provided eligibility criteria are met and placement can be secured. The CPS court case remains open during Trial Independence, facilitating quicker re-entry into Extended Foster Care if needed and providing a potential avenue for court assistance during the transition.
Moving into college dormitories while leaving foster care exemplifies Trial Independence. Returning to Extended Foster Care during summer breaks temporarily suspends Trial Independence, which resumes upon returning to college in the fall. Trial Independence is designed to provide a safety net and facilitate the transition to full independence, offering a pathway back to Extended Foster Care and continued support if needed. For those who choose not to pursue Extended Foster Care and require only standard aged-out foster youth benefits, no specific action is required beyond initiating the necessary steps to access desired benefits and services.
Limited Placement Options: Planning Ahead is Key
Placement availability, especially for older foster youth and those over 18, can be limited. While efforts to expand placement options are ongoing, securing a placement upon returning to Extended Foster Care is not always guaranteed, particularly for those with prior placement challenges. Careful planning before leaving care is therefore paramount, including securing sufficient financial resources and income stability. This proactive approach is especially crucial for those in education or in stable living situations that may extend beyond the age of 18. Utilizing transitional funds strategically and delaying departure until concrete plans and financial stability are in place is advisable. Moving out of foster care without secure housing and income can lead to significant difficulties. For those seeking alternative placements within foster care, discussing options with caseworkers and PAL workers, such as Transitional Living Programs or Supervised Independent Living placements, is recommended, along with exploring potential waiting lists or future foster home openings.
Leaving Foster Care: A Planned Departure
When the decision to leave foster care is made, providing ample advance notice to caseworkers and PAL workers is essential. This allows sufficient time for necessary arrangements, including benefit initiation. Abrupt departures can complicate access to benefits. Requesting a 12-month Trial Independence court order, instead of the default 6 months, can also provide extended transitional support.
Extended Court Jurisdiction: Continued Oversight and Support
Upon turning 18, the court overseeing the foster care case retains jurisdiction for specific durations. For those in Extended Foster Care, continued court oversight is legally mandated. Even after leaving care, the court maintains authority during the 6-12 month Trial Independence period. This extended jurisdiction serves as a safety net, providing potential court assistance and facilitating smoother re-entry into Extended Foster Care if needed. While hearings may be held during this period, attendance is not mandatory, but it can be beneficial to address concerns or issues. Unless transitional services are requested, CPS typically does not maintain active supervision or contact during Trial Independence. For young adults who do not wish to return to Extended Foster Care but desire continued court jurisdiction until age 21 for potential future assistance, requesting the court to maintain jurisdiction is an option.
Communicating the desire for extended court jurisdiction until 21 or a 12-month Trial Independence to the Judge during court hearings is crucial. Informing caseworkers, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and Attorney Ad Litems is also important. Submitting a written request to the court, including full name, address, phone number, court name, and case number, is another effective method.
It is important to remember that at 18, young adults are legal adults, no longer under CPS custody (conservatorship). The court’s role shifts to providing support and oversight during this transition, not dictating life choices. Extended Court Jurisdiction is designed to be beneficial, facilitating the achievement of educational or employment goals, addressing unmet needs, and resolving outstanding matters. If court assistance in obtaining CPS services is needed, contacting organizations like the Texas Foster Youth Justice Project can provide valuable support and guidance.
Planning for Life After Foster Care: Starting Early
Transition planning should commence as early as age 16, involving meetings with caseworkers. If transition planning is not initiated by the caseworker, young adults should proactively request it. For youth in the Texas Juvenile Justice Department who entered while in foster care, Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program services remain accessible, even upon release after age 18, regardless of foster care re-entry eligibility. If PAL services are lacking in such facilities or further assistance is needed, contacting Disability Rights Texas is recommended.
Caseworkers should collaborate with foster parents or caregivers, attorneys ad litem, CASA volunteers, PAL workers, and Aftercare workers in the planning process. These meetings should address critical planning areas, including exploring Extended Foster Care options and PAL program details. Decisions regarding utilizing a Circle of Support or Transition Plan Meetings for developing a transition plan are also made during this phase.
Circle of Support: Building a Network
A Circle of Support serves as a valuable framework for transition planning, bringing together a group of supportive adults chosen by the young adult. This network can include foster parents, teachers, relatives, mentors, or faith community members. Biological family, including parents with terminated parental rights (unless deemed unsafe), can also be invited. For youth considering living with family after leaving care, communicating this to Circle of Support planners and the court is essential to explore this option. A Circle of Support facilitator guides the process and meetings, and may suggest inviting attorneys ad litem, CASA, and PAL workers. The group collaboratively develops a written transition plan. Young adults have the right to request advance planning for Circle of Support meetings to ensure attendance and participation. Follow-up on action items and subsequent Circle of Support meetings are also rights that can be asserted.
Transition Plan Meetings: Focused and Efficient Planning
Transition Plan Meetings offer an alternative planning approach, particularly for youth who do not prefer a Circle of Support or when expedited planning is necessary. Even after a Transition Plan Meeting, a Circle of Support can be established later for broader support involvement. In addition to the caseworker, young adults can invite two other participants. The meeting’s focus is on developing a transition plan for independent living. For concerns regarding the planning process or lack of planning by age 16 1/2, contacting relevant support organizations is advised.
Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Program: Equipping for Independence
The Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program, a component of Transitional Living Services, is specifically designed to support the transition from foster care. PAL aims to identify necessary independent living skills, provide skill-building training, and offer case management and limited financial assistance post-foster care. Administered by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and implemented through contracted agencies, PAL serves current and former foster youth aged 16-21, and in some instances, 14 and 15-year-olds. It encompasses both youth currently in care and those who have aged out. Clarifying the specific PAL service being discussed is important, as the term “PAL” can refer to various program aspects and personnel. PAL workers are key contacts for transition-related services and resources, including Transitional Living Services.
Independent Living Skills Assessment: Identifying Strengths and Needs
Around age 16, DFPS mandates the Casey Life Skills Assessment to evaluate independent living readiness. Assessments are completed both by the youth and by someone familiar with them, such as a foster parent, staff member, or caseworker, before the youth reaches 16 1/2 years old and ideally before Life Skills Training Classes (PAL classes). The assessment serves to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and guide the development of targeted training and experiences, such as money management, cooking, cleaning, and job skills. It is a valuable tool for proactive preparation for independent living.
Connecting with PAL Workers: Accessing Support
Regional PAL office contact information can be found through DFPS resources or online searches for “DFPS Preparation for Adult Living.” Contacting the office serving the current area of residence is recommended. If the office is unresponsive or unable to assist, the State PAL office can be contacted for support.
Life Skills Training Class: Building Essential Competencies
Life Skills Training Classes, often referred to as PAL or PAL classes, are offered to foster youth aged 16 and older. This training, a component of the PAL program, covers six core areas crucial for independent living:
- Health and Safety
- Housing and Transportation
- Job Readiness
- Financial Management
- Life Decisions and Responsibilities
- Personal and Social Relationships
The program involves at least 30 hours of training, typically delivered over several weeks in evenings or weekends, or sometimes through intensive weekend programs. While the class provides a foundational introduction to independent living skills, ongoing development and practice are essential.
Crucially, successful completion of at least 5 out of the 6 training areas, including financial management, is a prerequisite for eligibility for the $1,000 Transitional Services Allowance. This eligibility cannot be obtained after leaving foster care. Promptly contacting regional PAL Staff if class scheduling has not occurred by age 17 or if transportation to classes is an issue is vital. If these avenues are unsuccessful, contacting support organizations can provide further assistance. In specific circumstances, independent study guides for Life Skills Training can be approved, requiring close collaboration with an adult mentor. While classroom participation is generally preferred, the independent study option can be valuable if class attendance is not feasible before leaving care. Proactive planning and early requests are essential for utilizing the independent study guide option.
Financial Services: Transitional Support
Transitional Living Allowance and Aftercare Room and Board are financial assistance programs available upon leaving foster care. Further information can be found in housing resources dedicated to foster youth.
Health Care Benefits: Ensuring Continued Coverage
Young adults ageing out of foster care qualify for free health insurance until age 26. Upon leaving care at 18 or older, automatic enrollment in Former Foster Care Children’s (FCC) Medicaid Insurance should occur. However, proactive steps are required to maintain coverage until age 26. Detailed information is available in resources focused on health insurance and medical care for foster youth.
Case Management for Aged Out Foster Youth: Ongoing Guidance
Case management services are available for up to age 21 to support young adults transitioning from foster care to independence. Typically provided by private agencies contracted with CPS, case managers assist with accessing benefits, securing housing, seeking employment and training, applying for education and financial aid, developing independent living skills, budgeting, and establishing bank accounts, among other areas. Utilizing case management services is optional, and accessing these services can be facilitated through regional or state Preparation for Adult Living offices.
Living with Biological Parents: Navigating Eligibility
Returning to live with a biological parent or the individual from whom they were removed is a choice some foster youth make. As long as CPS conservatorship remains until age 18, eligibility for aged-out foster youth benefits is generally unaffected, even if CPS facilitates the placement with the parent. However, if custody or adoption is granted to the biological parent or another party before age 18, benefit eligibility may be impacted. Detailed discussions with PAL workers, attorneys ad litem, and CASA volunteers are crucial when considering leaving CPS conservatorship before age 18. Even when considered aged-out, Transitional Living Allowance and Aftercare Room and Board payments may be withheld if CPS has concerns about the safety and well-being of the young adult in the biological parent’s home.
Educational, Vocational, and Supportive Services: Expanding Opportunities
PAL Staff provides assistance to all youth, regardless of foster care status or age, with:
- Obtaining Tuition Waiver letters
- Information and application assistance for the Education Training Voucher (ETV) program
- College and other education applications and financial aid
Additional services, subject to need and funding, may include:
- Vocational assessments and training
- GED classes
- College entrance exam preparation
- Driver education
- High school graduation expenses
- Identification documents
- Counseling
- Volunteer mentoring programs
Transition Planning Assistance: Regional PAL Support
Regional PAL Staff plays a vital role in providing transitional services for youth still in foster care. PAL Staff or Coordinators are available to assist youth and caseworkers in transition preparation. Their responsibilities include participating in transition planning, explaining foster youth benefits, assisting in identifying and accessing regional education, employment, and housing resources, aiding in obtaining identification documents, and providing guidance on higher education applications and financial aid processes.
Other Preparation for Adult Living Program Activities: Enrichment and Engagement
- Statewide Teen Conference: An annual multi-day conference held at a college campus, offering workshops on topics relevant to foster youth transitioning to adulthood. Adult sponsors, such as caseworkers or PAL workers, accompany youth participants.
- Statewide Youth Leadership Council: Composed of current or former foster youth representatives from each region, providing youth perspectives and recommendations for policy and program development to improve services for children and youth.
- Regional Youth Leadership Councils: Regional councils exist in some CPS regions. Contacting regional PAL workers provides information about local initiatives.
- Regional Activities: Various regional activities may be offered, including teen conferences, college visits, wilderness trips, mentor programs, support groups, job development workshops, and youth forums.
- PAL College Conference: A weekend conference at Texas A&M University-Commerce focused on higher education opportunities for foster youth in Texas colleges.
- PEAKS Camp: A multi-day camp fostering self-esteem, problem-solving, communication skills, and recreational activities for foster youth.
- Aging-Out Seminars/Transitional Living Conference: A required one-day program for foster youth aged 17 in licensed or verified foster care, building upon prior life skills training.
Contacting regional PAL Staff and informing caseworkers is recommended for those interested in participating in statewide or regional events or seeking information about services and resources.
Transition Centers: One-Stop Resource Hubs
Transition Centers serve as centralized hubs for older and aged-out foster youth, and sometimes other at-risk youth and young adults, offering a range of services. Current and former foster youth can access Transition Centers for job skills training, job searching, career exploration, college enrollment assistance, flexible high school diploma or GED programs, financial aid application support (including ETV), housing assistance, identification document procurement, mentoring, and information on aged-out foster youth benefits.
Services vary by Transition Center. Visiting local centers and engaging with staff is the best way to understand available resources. Incorporating a visit to a Transition Center into transition planning is advisable. Relocation to different regions may provide access to other Transition Centers. Even without proximity, contacting Transition Centers to inquire about services and support is beneficial.
Potential Services at Transition Centers:
- Bus tokens
- Housing Assistance
- Employment and Education Assistance
- Counseling
- Computer Labs and Internet Access
- ETV and Financial Aid Application Help
- Aged-Out Foster Youth Financial Benefits Information
- Limited Case Management for Former Foster Youth (ages 21-25)
- Case Manager Staff for Aged-Out Foster Youth
A current list of Transition Centers is available online through DFPS resources.
Other Resources: Expanding Support Networks
Texas Foster Youth Connections offers online resources and information for foster youth and those seeking general guidance, covering topics such as foster care records, job opportunities, hotlines, housing, finance, education, healthcare, and other areas of support for young adults preparing for independent living.
The Texas Youth Hotline provides confidential counseling, information, referrals, and service connection assistance via phone, chat, or text for youth, including current and former foster youth.
Guidance counselors at current or former high schools and individuals who have successfully navigated similar transitions can also offer valuable support and advice.
211: Connecting to Local Services
Dialing 211 or visiting 211Texas.org connects individuals to health and human services within their community, providing access to a wide range of programs and support.
