Navigating the transition out of foster care can feel overwhelming. As you approach adulthood, questions about housing, finances, education, and employment are natural. This guide provides essential information about aging out of foster care in Texas, focusing on available programs and resources to support a successful transition to independence.
Understanding Your Options as You Prepare to Leave Foster Care
As the time to leave foster care nears, feelings of anxiety and uncertainty are common. You might be wondering about where you will live, how you will manage financially, how to continue your education, and what job opportunities are available. These concerns are valid, but it’s important to know that there are resources designed to help you prepare for independent living.
Extended Foster Care: Staying Supported Beyond 18
At 18, you are legally considered an adult and have the option to leave foster care. While this is your right, it’s crucial to consider if it’s the most beneficial path. Many young people, even those who haven’t been in foster care, find independent living challenging. Managing expenses and responsibilities alone can be difficult, and for foster youth, who may lack established support systems, it can be even tougher. While some short-term financial aid is available for those aging out, sustaining oneself long-term requires stable employment and careful financial planning.
Choosing to remain in or return to foster care after turning 18 is known as Extended Foster Care. In this program, you continue to receive support and services while learning to navigate adulthood. While CPS (Child Protective Services) no longer has legal control over your decisions, you must adhere to the guidelines of Extended Foster Care and the rules of your placement. Placement availability is also a factor; losing a placement doesn’t guarantee another will be found.
Extended Foster Care can continue until the last day of the month you turn 22 if you are:
- Regularly attending high school or working towards a GED.
Extended Foster Care can continue until the last day of the month you turn 21 if you are:
- Enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per semester at a college, university, vocational, or technical program.
- Participating in an employment program or activity designed to improve job skills or remove employment barriers. Discuss eligible activities with your caseworker and PAL worker.
- Working at least 80 hours per month.
- On school breaks (between semesters). You can remain in Extended Foster Care during breaks of 1 to 4 months and during the period between high school/GED graduation and starting a post-secondary program (1 to 3.5 months), provided you plan to enroll in the next regular session. These breaks are ideal for gaining work experience, internships, or volunteer opportunities.
- Unable to participate in the above activities due to a documented medical condition, such as receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits due to a disability.
To remain in Extended Foster Care, continued participation in these activities is mandatory. Failure to comply will result in termination from the program. Regular meetings with your caseworker to discuss program requirements and create written plans are essential. If you need assistance with employment, education enrollment, or meeting program requirements, inform your caseworker and PAL worker immediately.
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Alt text: Table of contents image for article on aging out of foster care in Texas, listing topics like extended foster care, supervised independent living, and preparation programs.
Returning to Extended Foster Care: Options and Considerations
If you initially leave foster care, returning to Extended Foster Care is a possibility, but it’s not guaranteed. Placement availability can be an issue, and finding a placement in your preferred location may not be feasible. Your previous foster home might not have openings. Factors like adult felony or misdemeanor convictions, substantiated child abuse or neglect findings, or a history of placement disruptions can further complicate finding a placement.
To explore returning to Extended Foster Care, contact the regional PAL Staff or call the main CPS hotline at (800)252-5400, informing them 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 is another valuable resource for assistance.
For returning to Extended Foster Care during school breaks (1-4 months), proactive planning is key. Contact CPS well in advance, several weeks before you intend to return, to allow ample time for arrangements. Avoid last-minute requests.
Supervised Independent Living (SIL): Gaining Independence with Support
Supervised Independent Living (SIL) is a newer form of Extended Foster Care placement. SIL allows young adults to live more independently while still receiving casework services and support. SIL placements can vary, including apartments, dormitories, or houses, with different SIL providers offering diverse housing options. While a caseworker will maintain contact, there is no 24/7 on-site supervision like in traditional foster care. Some SIL programs may have limited on-site staff depending on the housing type.
In SIL, CPS covers housing costs and provides funds for expenses like food and phone. You are responsible for daily living tasks such as meal preparation, cleaning, and laundry. If you are employed while in SIL, you retain all earnings, allowing you to save for future expenses like housing after leaving foster care or purchasing a vehicle, as your housing is covered.
Eligibility for SIL requires being between 18 and 20 years old, applying for SIL, and demonstrating maturity and responsibility. You must also meet Extended Foster Care requirements of working, attending school, participating in training, or having a qualifying medical condition. More information about Supervised Independent Living is available on the DFPS website. SIL has become a popular option for young adults, including those who experienced challenges in traditional foster care. It offers a bridge to independence and alleviates some hardships faced when transitioning out of the foster care system.
Trial Independence: A Transition Period
When you leave foster care at 18 or older, Texas law provides for a Trial Independence period of 6 months (extendable to 12 months with a court order). During this period, you can live independently while receiving transitional benefits like the Transitional Living Allowance, Aftercare Room and Board, and the Education and Training Voucher (ETV), which can even be accessed while still in foster care. Aftercare Case Management and Former Foster Care Children’s (FFCC) Medicaid are also available. Even during Trial Independence, the option to Return to Extended Foster Care remains if you meet the criteria and a placement is available. Your CPS court case remains open during Trial Independence.
While returning to Extended Foster Care is possible after Trial Independence, court case closure is likely afterward, potentially making it harder to obtain court assistance and oversight if issues arise with transitional services. (See Extended Court Jurisdiction section).
An example of Trial Independence is moving into college dorms. Returning to Extended Foster Care during summer break takes you out of Trial Independence and back into foster care. Re-entering college in the fall restarts your Trial Independence.
Trial Independence, while potentially confusing, is designed to facilitate the return to Extended Foster Care and provide extra support during the transition to independence. It also enables CPS to access federal funding for Extended Foster Care. If you choose not to participate in Extended Foster Care or seek additional assistance beyond standard aged-out foster youth benefits, no action is required. Simply take the necessary steps to access desired benefits and services.
Limited Placement Options for Older Foster Youth: Planning Ahead
Unfortunately, placement options for older foster youth, especially those over 18, are limited. Efforts to increase placements are ongoing, but availability may be restricted if you wish to return to Extended Foster Care, particularly if you have a history of placement difficulties. Careful planning before leaving care is essential, including securing sufficient funds and reliable income. This is especially crucial if you are in education or have the option to remain in your current placement post-18. Saving transitional funds for when you have concrete plans underway is advisable. Moving out of foster care without financial stability for rent and bills can lead to significant challenges.
If you are dissatisfied with your current placement but open to other foster care options, discuss alternatives with your caseworker and PAL worker, such as Transitional Living Programs or Supervised Independent Living placements (and waiting lists). Your caseworker can also explore potential foster home openings in the future.
Leaving Foster Care: Making the Transition Smooth
When you decide to leave foster care, inform your caseworker and PAL worker well in advance. This allows sufficient time for necessary arrangements and benefit initiation. Sudden departures can often complicate benefit access. You can also request the court overseeing your CPS case to order a 12-month Trial Independence period instead of the standard 6 months.
Extended Court Jurisdiction: Continued Oversight and Support
Even after turning 18, the court that handled your foster care case retains jurisdiction for specific periods. If you remain in Extended Foster Care, continued court oversight is legally mandated. Upon leaving foster care, court jurisdiction extends for the 6-12 months of Trial Independence. This ensures court assistance if needed during this time and facilitates quicker CPS support if you choose to return to Extended Foster Care. Court hearings are not mandatory during this period, and you are not required to attend any that may be scheduled. However, attending hearings is advisable if problems or concerns arise. CPS will not actively supervise or contact you during Trial Independence unless you request transitional services like the Transitional Living Allowance, Aftercare Room and Board, Education and Training Voucher, and Aftercare Case Management. If you wish to keep your court case open beyond Trial Independence until age 21, even if you don’t return to Extended Foster Care, you can request the court to maintain jurisdiction for potential future assistance.
The most effective way to request extended court jurisdiction until 21 or a 12-month Trial Independence is by informing the Judge at court hearings. Also, notify your caseworker, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), and Attorney Ad Litem. A written request to the court is another option, including your full name, address, phone number, court name, and case number (if known).
Remember, at 18, you become an adult and are no longer in CPS legal custody (conservatorship). The court can no longer dictate your actions or living arrangements. Extended Court Jurisdiction, while seemingly intrusive, is beneficial for foster youth. It can aid in achieving educational or employment goals, addressing unmet needs, and resolving issues CPS may not have handled, such as obtaining identification documents or facilitating sibling contact.
If you need court intervention to compel CPS services or assistance, contact the Texas Foster Youth Justice Project.
Planning for Your Life After Foster Care: Starting Early
Transition planning should begin with your caseworker once you turn 16. (Initiate the conversation if your caseworker doesn’t). If you are in the Texas Juvenile Justice Department after entering while in foster care, you are still entitled to Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program services, even if released after 18 and ineligible for return to foster care. Contact Disability Rights Texas at (800)252-9108 if PAL services are unavailable in your facility or for other assistance as a confined foster youth. Further information is in the Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Program section.
Your caseworker should collaborate with your foster parents/caregivers, attorney ad litem, CASA, PAL worker, and Aftercare worker. These meetings should identify planning needs, discuss Extended Foster Care options, and review the PAL program. You and your caseworker will decide between a Circle of Support or Transition Plan Meetings for developing your transition plan.
Circle of Support: Building a Network
A Circle of Support aids in planning your departure from foster care. It’s a group of supportive adults you choose to be part of your support system, such as foster parents, teachers, relatives, church members, or mentors. Many youth invite biological family, including parents whose rights were terminated, unless deemed unsafe by the caseworker. If you plan to live with family post-foster care, inform your 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. The group collaboratively creates a written transition plan. You have the right to insist on advance planning for Circle of Support meetings to allow invitees to attend in person or by phone. Follow-up on action items and subsequent Circles of Support are also your right.
Transition Plan Meetings: Focused and Efficient Planning
Transition Plan Meetings are an alternative for foster youth who don’t want a Circle of Support or when time is limited. Even with a Transition Plan Meeting, a Circle of Support can be established later to broaden planning involvement. Besides your caseworker, you can invite two additional participants. The meeting focuses on developing your transition plan for independent living.
Contact the Texas Foster Youth Justice Project at (877) 313-3688 if you are dissatisfied with the planning process or if planning hasn’t commenced by age 16 ½.
Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Program: Skills and Support for Independence
The Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program is a component of Transitional Living Services. These programs assist with your transition from foster care by identifying needed independent living skills, providing skills training, and offering case management and limited financial aid post-foster care. DFPS manages the PAL program and contracts with agencies for additional services.
Clarify the specific PAL program component being discussed when you hear “PAL,” as the term encompasses various activities and roles. PAL workers are CPS Preparation for Adult Living program employees and are the primary contacts for transition-related services and resources, including Transitional Living Services.
The PAL program serves current and former foster youth aged 16-21. In some cases, 14 and 15-year-olds may also receive services. The program supports both youth in foster care and those who have aged out.
Independent Living Skills Assessment: Identifying Strengths and Needs
Around age 16, DFPS must assess your readiness for independent living using the Casey Life Skills Assessment. Someone who knows you well, like a foster parent, staff member, or caseworker, also completes an assessment about you. This must occur before age 16 ½ and ideally before the Life Skills Training Class (PAL class). The assessment helps you, your caregiver, and caseworker determine your independent living readiness, strengths, and areas for improvement, such as money management, cooking, cleaning, and job skills. Use this assessment to identify areas needing further learning for successful independent living.
How to Contact PAL (Preparation for Adult Living) Workers: Accessing Local Support
Locate the PAL office serving your area of Texas here or by searching “DFPS Preparation for Adult Living” online. Contact the office serving your current location. If the office is incorrect or unresponsive, contact the State PAL office at (512)438-5442.
Life Skills Training Class: Building Essential Independent Living Skills
This class, often called PAL class, is available to all foster youth aged 16 and older. It’s a part of the Preparation for Adult Living program and trains you in independent living across 6 areas:
- 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 over several weeks in evenings or weekends, or sometimes a weekend-long intensive program. This class introduces crucial independent living skills, but ongoing practice is necessary.
IMPORTANT! Successful completion of at least 5 of the 6 areas, including financial management, is required for eligibility for the $1,000 Transitional Services Allowance. Taking the class after leaving foster care will not grant eligibility. Contact your regional PAL Staff if you haven’t been scheduled for a class by age 17 or if your placement isn’t facilitating class attendance. If issues persist, contact the Texas Foster Youth Justice Project.
In certain cases, DFPS PAL program approval allows completing the Life Skills Training class via independent study guide, requiring close adult supervision and assistance. While classroom learning is generally preferable, request the independent study guide if class attendance is impossible before leaving care and you haven’t completed the required areas. Plan and request in advance as study guide completion takes time.
Financial Services: Support After Foster Care
Transitional Living Allowance and Aftercare Room and Board are financial assistance options post-foster care. See Finding a Place to Live in the Housing section for details.
Health Care Benefits: Continued Coverage Until 26
If you age out of foster care in Texas, you qualify for free health insurance until age 26. Upon leaving foster care at 18 or older, you should be automatically enrolled in Former Foster Care Children’s (FCC) Medicaid Insurance. However, you must take steps to maintain coverage until 26. See the Health Insurance/Medical section of the website for more information.
Case Management for Aged Out Foster Youth: Ongoing Support and Guidance
Post-foster care, you can access case management services until age 21 to aid in your transition to independence. Case managers typically work for private agencies contracted with CPS. Agencies vary by region. Case managers assist with benefit access, housing, employment/job training, college/education applications and financial aid, independent living planning, budgeting, bank account setup, and more. Utilizing case management services is optional. Contact the regional or state Preparation for Adult Living office for help accessing case management.
Living with Biological Parent When Aging Out of Foster Care: Understanding Benefit Implications
Returning to a biological parent or the person you were removed from is a choice some foster youth make. As long as CPS remains your conservator until 18, aged-out foster youth benefit eligibility should not be affected, even if CPS places you with your parents. Conservatorship means CPS is legally responsible for you by court order. However, if the court grants custody or adoption to your biological parent(s) or someone else before 18, it may impact benefit eligibility. This is complex and requires 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 may be withheld if CPS deems living with a biological parent or the removed individual a threat to your safety and well-being, as CPS aims to avoid funding situations where mistreatment could occur.
Educational, Vocational, and Supportive Services: Resources for Your Future
All youth, in or out of foster care, and regardless of age, can receive 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, 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: PAL Staff Support
Regional PAL Staff should provide crucial transition services for youth still in foster care. A PAL Staff member or Coordinator should assist you and your caseworker in transition preparation. Regional PAL Staff roles include participating in transition planning, explaining foster youth benefits, helping identify and access regional education, employment, and housing resources, assisting with ID documents, and guiding higher education and financial aid applications.
Other Preparation for Adult Living Program Activities: Expanding Your Opportunities
Statewide Teen Conference: An annual three-day conference held at a college campus. Youth attend with an adult sponsor (caseworker or PAL worker) and participate in workshops addressing issues relevant to transitioning foster youth.
Statewide Youth Leadership Council: Composed of two current or former foster youth from each region, providing youth perspectives and input for policy and program development and making service improvement recommendations.
Regional Youth Leadership Council: Some CPS regions have youth leadership councils. Contact your regional PAL worker for regional information.
Regional Activities: Various regional activities may occur, such as 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 focusing on higher education opportunities for foster youth in Texas.
PEAKS Camp: A four-day camp for foster youth focused on self-esteem building, problem-solving, communication skills, and recreational activities.
Aging-Out Seminars/Transitional Living Conference: A required one-day program for foster youth aged 17 in licensed or verified foster care, building upon Life Skills Training Class content.
Contact your regional PAL Staff and inform your caseworker if interested in statewide or regional events or for questions about services and resources.
Transition Centers: One-Stop Resource Hubs
Transition Centers are comprehensive service locations for older and aged-out foster youth, and sometimes other at-risk youth and young adults up to age 25, including homeless youth. Current and former foster youth can access Transition Centers. They serve as central points for services like the Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program, offering job skills training, job searching, career exploration, college enrollment assistance, flexible high school diploma or GED programs, financial aid application help (including ETV), housing assistance, ID document assistance, mentoring, and information on aged-out foster youth benefits.
Services vary by Transition Center. Visiting and familiarizing yourself with the staff is the best way to learn about specific offerings. Include a Transition Center visit in your foster care transition plan. If you relocate within Texas, a Transition Center may be accessible in your new area. Even if center access is difficult, call to learn about services and how they can assist you.
Possible Transition Center services include:
- Bus tokens.
- Housing assistance.
- Employment and education assistance.
- Counseling.
- Computer labs and internet access.
- ETV and financial aid application support.
- Aged-out foster youth financial benefits information and assistance.
- Limited case management for former foster youth aged 21-25.
- Case manager staff specifically for aged-out foster youth.
A current list of Texas Transition Centers is available online.
Other Resources: Expanding Your Support Network
Texas Foster Youth Connections is a project offering general tips and information to foster youth and those seeking resources.
Texas Foster Youth Connections provides information on:
- Foster care records.
- Job opportunities.
- Hotlines.
- Housing.
- Finance.
- Education.
- Healthcare.
- And many other support areas for young adults preparing for independent living.
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 are also valuable sources of advice and support.
211: Connecting to Local Services
Dialing 211 connects you to health and human services in your community. Visit 211Texas.org for health and human services program information.
