Transitioning out of foster care is a significant step, often filled with uncertainty and questions. As you approach adulthood, concerns about housing, financial stability, education, and employment are natural. Many young adults leaving foster care wonder where to turn for support as they navigate this new chapter. Fortunately, numerous programs are specifically designed to assist youth like you in this transition, ensuring you’re not alone as you build your independent future. This guide will walk you through the key programs and resources available to help you thrive as you age out of foster care.
Understanding Extended Foster Care Programs
Extended Foster Care offers a crucial safety net for young adults who would otherwise exit the system at 18. Legally, at 18, you are considered an adult, and remaining in foster care becomes a choice, not an obligation. However, leaving care without a solid support system can be incredibly challenging. Extended Foster Care allows you to continue receiving support and services while developing the skills and resources needed for self-sufficiency.
To be eligible for Extended Foster Care, you must meet specific criteria and be between 18 and the day before you turn 21 (or up to 22 in some specific educational scenarios). Eligibility requirements generally fall into these categories:
- Education: Regularly attending high school, pursuing a GED, or enrolled in higher education (college, vocational, or technical programs – minimum 6 credit hours per semester for ages 18-20; note specific age cutoffs may apply).
- Employment: Participating in an employment program designed to enhance job skills or remove employment barriers, or working at least 80 hours per month.
- Medical Condition: Having a documented medical condition that prevents participation in education or employment (often evidenced by receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)).
Staying in Extended Foster Care means you continue to have a safe place to live and access support services, but it also comes with responsibilities. You’ll need to adhere to the rules of your placement and actively engage in the activities that qualify you for the program (education, work, etc.). While CPS (Child Protective Services) no longer has legal control over your decisions, they will oversee your Extended Foster Care to ensure you are meeting program requirements. It’s crucial to maintain communication with your caseworker and PAL (Preparation for Adult Living) worker to ensure you remain eligible and receive the necessary support. If you fail to meet the requirements, you may be required to leave Extended Foster Care.
A young woman smiling confidently, symbolizing the potential for success with support programs.
Deciding whether to stay in or leave foster care at 18 is a personal one. Consider your preparedness for independent living. Do you have stable housing, a reliable income, and the skills to manage daily life? Extended Foster Care provides valuable time and resources to build this foundation, significantly increasing your chances of a successful transition to adulthood.
Returning to Extended Foster Care: Options and Considerations
Life after foster care can present unexpected challenges. Recognizing this, programs exist that allow you to return to Extended Foster Care even after initially leaving. However, it’s important to understand that returning is not guaranteed.
Several factors can influence your ability to re-enter Extended Foster Care:
- Placement Availability: Finding an available foster care placement, especially in your desired location, can be difficult. Your previous foster home may not have space, and overall placements for older youth are often limited.
- Past History: A history of criminal convictions (felony or misdemeanor), child abuse or neglect findings, or significant behavioral issues in previous placements can make it harder to find a new placement.
If you are considering returning to Extended Foster Care, prompt action is crucial. The first step is to contact the regional PAL Staff. You can find their contact information on the DFPS (Department of Family and Protective Services) website or by calling the main CPS number and stating you are an aged-out foster youth seeking to return to care. The Texas Foster Youth Justice Project is another valuable resource for assistance in this process.
For those in college or post-secondary programs, returning to Extended Foster Care during breaks (1-4 months) is possible, but requires advance planning. Contact CPS well in advance of your break to allow sufficient time to arrange placement. Don’t wait until the last minute, as placement arrangements take time.
Supervised Independent Living (SIL) Programs: A Stepping Stone to Independence
Supervised Independent Living (SIL) programs represent a modern approach within Extended Foster Care, designed to foster independence while still providing necessary support. SIL allows young adults aged 18-20 to live more independently in apartments, dorms, or houses, while still receiving casework services and support.
In SIL settings, you live with greater autonomy compared to traditional foster homes. While a caseworker provides regular check-ins and support, there are no on-site foster parents or 24/7 supervision. Depending on the specific SIL program, there might be some on-site staff available for assistance.
A significant benefit of SIL is financial support. CPS covers the cost of your housing, and you receive funds to help with expenses like food and phone bills. This financial relief allows you to focus on education, employment, and building savings. If you work while in SIL, you retain all your earnings, which can be crucial for saving for future housing or transportation costs once you transition fully out of care.
Eligibility for SIL programs includes being between 18-20 years old, applying for a SIL placement, demonstrating maturity and responsibility, and meeting the general Extended Foster Care requirements (education, employment, or medical condition).
SIL programs are increasingly popular, offering a beneficial transition for young adults who may have faced challenges in traditional foster care settings. They provide a structured environment to practice independent living skills while still having a safety net of support and financial assistance, easing the hardships often encountered when aging out of foster care.
Trial Independence: Navigating the First Months After Care
Trial Independence is a designated period, typically 6 months (extendable to 12 months with a court order), that begins when you leave foster care at age 18 or older. This period is designed to provide a structured transition and continued support as you begin living independently.
During Trial Independence, you are considered to be living independently but remain eligible for transitional living benefits. These benefits can include:
- Transitional Living Allowance: Financial assistance to help with living expenses.
- Aftercare Room and Board: Support for housing costs.
- Education and Training Voucher (ETV): Financial aid for educational expenses, even accessible while still in foster care.
- Aftercare Case Management: Continued support from a case manager.
- Former Foster Care Children’s (FFCC) Medicaid: Healthcare coverage.
Importantly, your CPS court case remains open during Trial Independence. This offers a significant advantage: the option to return to Extended Foster Care if needed, provided you meet the eligibility rules and a placement is available. While returning to Extended Foster Care is also possible after Trial Independence ends, a closed court case might complicate the process of accessing court assistance and oversight if you encounter difficulties in obtaining transitional services. (See section on Extended Court Jurisdiction for more details).
An example of Trial Independence is a young adult leaving foster care to live in a college dorm. If they return to Extended Foster Care during the summer break, the Trial Independence period pauses. Upon returning to college in the fall, a new Trial Independence period begins.
Trial Independence can seem complex, but its core purpose is to facilitate a smoother transition to independence and provide a safety net for young adults leaving foster care. It also enables CPS to access federal funding that supports Extended Foster Care programs. If you choose not to participate in Extended Foster Care and require no assistance beyond standard aged-out foster youth benefits, no action is needed. Simply take the necessary steps to access the benefits and services you desire.
Addressing Limited Placement Options for Older Foster Youth
It’s crucial to acknowledge that placement options for older foster youth, particularly those over 18, are often limited. While efforts are ongoing to expand these options, the reality is that finding a placement, especially when returning to Extended Foster Care, can be challenging. This is particularly true if you have had difficulties in previous placements.
This limitation underscores the critical importance of careful planning before leaving foster care. Ensure you have secured sufficient funds and reliable income sources before transitioning out of your current placement. This is especially vital if you are in education or have the option to remain in your current placement after age 18. It’s generally advisable to reserve transitional funds for when you have well-defined plans and are prepared to move forward independently. Moving out of foster care abruptly without financial stability to cover rent and bills can lead to significant hardship.
If you are dissatisfied with your current placement but open to other foster care options, communicate with your caseworker and PAL worker. Explore alternative options such as Transitional Living Programs or Supervised Independent Living placements. Waiting lists may exist for these programs, so proactive inquiry is essential. Your caseworker can also explore potential future foster home placements that might become available.
The Process of Leaving Foster Care: Key Steps and Considerations
When you decide to leave foster care, informing your caseworker and PAL worker well in advance is essential. This advance notice allows them ample time to make necessary arrangements and ensure your benefits are initiated smoothly. Youth who leave foster care abruptly often encounter difficulties in accessing benefits promptly.
You also have the option to request the court overseeing your CPS case to issue an order specifying a 12-month Trial Independence period instead of the standard 6 months. This extended period can provide additional time and support during your transition.
Extended Court Jurisdiction: Understanding Continued Support
Even after you turn 18, the court that oversaw your foster care case retains jurisdiction for a period of time. If you remain in Extended Foster Care, continued court oversight is legally mandated. Even after leaving foster care, the court maintains authority over your case during the 6-12 months of Trial Independence.
This Extended Court Jurisdiction serves several important purposes:
- Court Assistance During Transition: Provides a mechanism for court intervention if you need assistance during Trial Independence.
- Facilitating Return to Care: Enables CPS to expedite your return to Extended Foster Care if you choose to re-enter the system.
It’s important to note that no court hearings are mandatory during this period, and you are not required to attend any hearings the court may schedule. However, attending hearings can be beneficial if issues or concerns arise. CPS will not actively supervise your situation or maintain regular contact during Trial Independence unless you request transitional living services.
If you wish to have the court retain jurisdiction beyond Trial Independence, up until age 21, to provide potential future assistance, you can request this extension.
The most effective way to inform the court of your wishes regarding extended jurisdiction or a 12-month Trial Independence is to attend court hearings and communicate directly with the judge. Additionally, inform your caseworker, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), and Attorney Ad Litem of your preferences. You can also submit a written request to the court, including your full name, address, phone number, court name, and case number (if known).
Remember, at 18, you are legally an adult and no longer under CPS conservatorship. The court cannot dictate your living situation or actions. Extended Court Jurisdiction is designed to be a supportive measure for foster youth, facilitating the achievement of educational and employment goals, addressing unmet needs, and resolving outstanding issues like obtaining identification documents or sibling contact.
If you believe you need court intervention to ensure CPS provides necessary services or assistance, contact the Texas Foster Youth Justice Project for guidance and support.
Planning for Life After Foster Care: Starting Early and Seeking Guidance
Planning for your life after foster care should begin early, ideally around age 16. Initiate this conversation with your caseworker if they haven’t already brought it up. Even if you are in the Texas Juvenile Justice Department after entering while in foster care, you are still eligible for Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program services, even upon release after age 18 if you cannot return to foster care. Contact Disability Rights Texas if PAL services are not offered in your facility or for other assistance as a confined foster youth.
Your caseworker should collaborate with your foster parents/caregivers, attorney ad litem, CASA, PAL worker, and Aftercare worker in this planning process. These meetings should focus on identifying your needs, discussing Extended Foster Care options, and reviewing the PAL program. Together, you and your caseworker will decide whether to develop your transition plan through a Circle of Support or Transition Plan Meetings.
Building a Circle of Support: Collaborative Planning
A Circle of Support is a valuable approach to transition planning, bringing together a group of caring adults who form your support network. These individuals can include foster parents, teachers, relatives, mentors, or church members. Many youth invite biological family members, even parents whose rights have been terminated, unless safety concerns exist. If you are considering living with family after leaving foster care, ensure this is communicated during Circle of Support planning and to the court to explore this option.
A Circle of Support facilitator, separate from your caseworker, guides the process and meetings. They will also discuss inviting your attorney ad litem, CASA, and PAL worker. The group collaboratively develops a written transition plan. You have the right to request advance planning for your Circle of Support to allow invited participants to attend. Furthermore, you can insist on follow-up actions and additional Circle of Support meetings to ensure progress on action items.
Transition Plan Meetings: Focused and Efficient Planning
Transition Plan Meetings offer an alternative planning approach, particularly useful for youth who prefer not to have a Circle of Support or when time is limited. Even after a Transition Plan Meeting, you can still establish a Circle of Support to broaden your planning network.
In a Transition Plan Meeting, you, your caseworker, and up to two other individuals you choose will participate. The primary outcome is the development of your transition plan for independent living.
If you are dissatisfied with the planning process or if planning hasn’t commenced by age 16 1/2, contact the Texas Foster Youth Justice Project for assistance.
Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Program: Comprehensive Support Services
The Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program is a cornerstone of Transitional Living Services. These programs are specifically designed to facilitate your transition from foster care to independent adulthood. The PAL program focuses on:
- Skills Assessment: Identifying the skills you need for independent living.
- Skills Training: Providing training to develop those essential skills.
- Case Management: Offering ongoing support and guidance.
- Financial Assistance: Providing limited financial aid after leaving foster care.
DFPS manages the PAL program and contracts with various agencies to deliver services. The term “PAL” is used broadly to describe various activities and personnel involved in these services. PAL workers are CPS employees dedicated to the Preparation for Adult Living program and serve as your primary point of contact for transition-related resources and services, including all aspects of Transitional Living Services.
PAL program services are available to current and former foster youth aged 16-21, and in some cases, 14 and 15-year-olds can also receive services. The program supports both youth currently in foster care and those who have aged out.
Independent Living Skills Assessment: Identifying Strengths and Needs
Around your 16th birthday, DFPS is required to assess your readiness for independent living using the Casey Life Skills Assessment. Additionally, someone who knows you well, such as a foster parent, staff member, or caseworker, will also complete an assessment about you. This process must be completed before you turn 16 1/2 and ideally before you attend the Life Skills Training Class (PAL class).
The assessment results help you, your caregivers, and your caseworker understand your strengths and areas where you need further training and experience. Common areas addressed include money management, cooking, cleaning, and job skills. Utilize this assessment as an opportunity to identify specific skills you need to develop to prepare for independent living.
Connecting with PAL Workers: Accessing Local Support
To access PAL program services, you need to connect with the PAL office serving your region of Texas. You can find a directory of regional PAL offices on the DFPS website by searching for “DFPS Preparation for Adult Living” online. Contact the office that serves the region where you currently reside. If you encounter difficulties reaching the correct office or receive inadequate assistance, contact the State PAL office directly at (512) 438-5442.
Life Skills Training Class: Essential Skills for Independence
The Life Skills Training Class, often referred to as the PAL class, is offered to all foster youth aged 16 and older. While called the 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 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 delivered over several weeks in evenings or weekends, or sometimes as an intensive weekend program. While the class introduces essential concepts, continued effort and practice are necessary to fully develop these life skills.
Crucially, successfully completing at least 5 of the 6 areas, including financial management, is mandatory to be eligible for the $1,000 Transitional Services Allowance. It’s vital to complete this class while still in foster care, as eligibility is lost after aging out. If you haven’t been scheduled for a class by your 17th birthday or your placement is not facilitating your attendance, contact your regional PAL Staff immediately. If issues persist, contact the Texas Foster Youth Justice Project for assistance.
In specific circumstances, the DFPS Preparation for Adult Living program may approve completing the Life Skills Training class using an independent study guide. This option requires close collaboration with an adult mentor who oversees and assists with projects and tasks. While the classroom setting is generally preferred, the independent study guide offers a valuable alternative if class attendance is not feasible before leaving care. Request this option proactively, as completing the study guide takes time.
Financial Services for Aged Out Foster Youth: Assistance and Resources
Transitional Living Allowance and Aftercare Room and Board are key financial assistance programs available to youth after leaving foster care. Refer to the “Finding a Place to Live” section within the Housing resources for detailed information on these programs.
Healthcare Benefits: Medicaid Coverage for Former Foster Youth
Aging out of foster care in Texas qualifies you for free healthcare coverage through Medicaid until you turn 26. Upon leaving foster care at 18 or older, you should be automatically enrolled in Former Foster Care Children’s (FCC) Medicaid. However, you will need to take steps to maintain this coverage until age 26. Consult the Health Insurance/Medical section of the website for comprehensive details on maintaining your healthcare benefits.
Case Management Services: Ongoing Support After Foster Care
Post-foster care case management services are available to assist you in your transition to independence until age 21. Typically, case managers are employed by private agencies contracted with CPS, with agency availability varying across the state. Your case manager can provide invaluable support in:
- Accessing benefits
- Locating housing
- Seeking employment and job training
- Applying for college and financial aid
- Developing independent living skills
- Budgeting and financial management
- Opening bank accounts
Utilizing case management services is your choice. If you need help accessing these services, contact your regional or state Preparation for Adult Living office.
Living with Biological Parents: Considerations for Aged Out Youth
Some foster youth choose to return to live with a biological parent or the individual they were removed from by CPS. As long as CPS remains your legal conservator until age 18, this should not impact your eligibility for aged-out foster youth benefits, even if CPS places you with your parents. Conservatorship means CPS has legal responsibility for you under a court order.
However, if the court grants custody or adoption to your biological parents or someone else before you turn 18, it may affect your eligibility for certain benefits. This is a complex issue that requires detailed discussion with your PAL worker, attorney ad litem, and CASA if you are considering leaving CPS conservatorship before 18.
Even if you are considered aged out of foster care, living with a biological parent or the person you were removed from by CPS may impact your Transitional Living Allowance and Aftercare Room and Board if CPS has concerns about your safety with that individual. CPS aims to avoid providing funds to individuals who may mistreat you.
Educational, Vocational, and Supportive Services: Expanding Opportunities
All youth, whether currently in or aged out of foster care, and regardless of age, can receive assistance from PAL Staff in:
- Obtaining Tuition Waiver letters for Texas public colleges and universities.
- Accessing information and applying for the Education Training Voucher (ETV) program for post-secondary education.
- Applying for college or other educational programs and financial aid.
Additional services, subject to need and funding availability, may include:
- Vocational assessments and training
- GED classes
- College entrance exam preparation
- Driver education
- High school graduation expenses
- Identification documents
- Counseling services
- Volunteer mentoring programs
Transition Planning Assistance: Guidance from PAL Staff
Regional PAL Staff are vital resources for transitional services while you are still in foster care. A PAL Staff member or Coordinator should be available to assist you and your caseworker in transition planning. Their role includes:
- Participating in transition planning meetings
- Explaining foster youth benefits
- Identifying and accessing regional education, employment, and housing resources
- Assisting with obtaining identification documents
- Guiding applications for higher education and financial aid
Other PAL Program Activities: Engaging and Supportive Programs
The PAL program offers a variety of enriching activities:
- Statewide Teen Conference: An annual three-day conference held at a college campus, featuring workshops on topics relevant to foster youth preparing for adulthood. Requires adult sponsor attendance (caseworker, PAL worker, etc.).
- Statewide Youth Leadership Council: Composed of current and former foster youth from each region, providing youth input on policy and program development, and making recommendations for service improvement.
- Regional Youth Leadership Councils: Some CPS regions have their own youth leadership councils. Contact your regional PAL worker for information.
- Regional Activities: Various regional events 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 focused on higher education opportunities for foster youth in Texas.
- PEAKS Camp: A four-day camp focused on building self-esteem, problem-solving, communication skills, and fun activities.
- Aging-Out Seminars/Transitional Living Conference: A one-day mandatory program for foster youth aged 17 in licensed or verified care, building upon Life Skills Training.
Contact your regional PAL Staff and your caseworker for information and participation in these statewide and regional events.
Transition Centers: One-Stop Resource Hubs
Transition Centers are designed as comprehensive resource centers for older foster youth and aged-out youth, and often serve other at-risk youth and young adults (sometimes up to age 25). These centers provide centralized access to services like the Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program.
Transition Centers offer a wide range of services to support independence, including:
- Job skills training and job searching assistance
- Career exploration
- Enrollment assistance for college, GED programs, and flexible high school diploma programs
- Financial aid application assistance, including ETV
- Housing assistance
- Identification document assistance
- Mentoring
- Access to aged-out foster youth benefits
Each Transition Center offers a unique set of services. Visiting your local Transition Center and meeting the staff is the best way to understand their specific offerings. Make visiting a Transition Center a part of your transition planning. If you move within Texas, remember that other Transition Centers may be available in your new location. Even if you cannot easily visit a center, contacting them by phone can provide valuable information and support.
Common services available at Transition Centers include:
- Bus tokens
- Housing assistance
- Employment and education assistance
- Counseling
- Computer labs and internet access
- ETV and financial aid application help
- Assistance with aged-out foster youth financial benefits
- Limited case management for former foster youth ages 21-25
- Case manager staff dedicated to aged-out foster youth
A current list of Transition Centers in Texas is available online on the DFPS website.
Additional Resources for Foster Youth: Expanding Support Networks
Texas Foster Youth Connections is a project dedicated to supporting foster youth, offering general tips and information. They provide resources and 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 vital resource for current and former foster youth. You can call, chat online, or text the hotline to receive confidential counseling, information, referrals, and help finding local services.
Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from other sources as well, such as guidance counselors at your current or former high school and individuals who have successfully navigated the transition to independence.
211 Texas: Connecting to Local Services
Dialing 211 or visiting 211Texas.org connects you to a comprehensive network of health and human services in your community. This service can help you find local programs and resources relevant to your needs.
Conclusion: Empowering Youth for Successful Transitions
Aging out of foster care is a significant life transition, but you are not without support. Numerous programs and resources are available to guide you toward a successful and independent future. By understanding and utilizing programs like Extended Foster Care, SIL, PAL, Transition Centers, and other support services, you can build a solid foundation for adulthood. Take proactive steps to plan, seek guidance, and access the resources designed to empower you on your journey to independence.
