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As the date to leave foster care approaches, it’s normal to experience anxiety and have numerous questions. You might be wondering about housing, financial stability, continuing education, and job opportunities. These concerns are valid, but remember that there are support systems in place to assist you in preparing for independent living as you navigate Aging Out Of Foster Care Programs.
Extended Foster Care: Your Choice After 18
Upon turning 18, you legally become an adult and have the option to exit foster care. Child Protective Services (CPS) no longer has legal authority over your decisions. However, immediate independence might not be the most beneficial path. Many young adults, even those who haven’t been in foster care, find independent living challenging. It entails managing all expenses and responsibilities independently. For foster youth, this transition can be particularly difficult. While some short-term financial aid is available, sustaining living costs like rent and utilities requires stable employment and careful financial planning.
Choosing to remain in or return to care after 18 is known as Extended Foster Care. While in this program, you must adhere to the rules of your living arrangement. Although CPS relinquishes legal control, you are expected to meet the requirements of Extended Foster Care, and placement availability is not guaranteed. Loss of placement may result in CPS being unable to find an alternative. You can participate in Extended Foster Care from age 18 until the end of the month you turn 22 if you are:
- Consistently attending high school or enrolled in a program for a high school diploma or GED.
Alternatively, you can participate from 18 until the end of the month you turn 21 if you are:
- Enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester at a college, higher education institution, or post-secondary vocational or technical program.
- Engaged in an employment program or activity designed to promote employment or remove employment barriers. Discuss eligible activities with your caseworker and Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) worker.
- Employed for at least 80 hours monthly.
- On breaks between school semesters. You can remain in Extended Foster Care for 1 to 3 ½ months post-high school or GED before starting further education, provided you have plans for the next regular session. Returning to Extended Foster Care is also possible during school breaks of 1 to 4 months, ideal for gaining job, internship, or volunteer experience. Classes must resume at the start of the following session.
- Unable to pursue the above activities due to a documented medical condition, such as receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits due to disability.
Maintaining participation in these activities is crucial for staying in Extended Foster Care. Failure to do so will result in program exit. Regular meetings with your caseworker should cover the requirements for continued foster care and written plans should be in place. Immediately inform your caseworker and PAL worker if you require assistance with employment, enrollment in education, or program participation.
Returning to Extended Foster Care: Options and Considerations
Re-entry into Extended Foster Care after leaving is possible but not assured. Placement availability might be limited, potentially outside your preferred area. Your previous foster home might not have space. Adult felony or misdemeanor convictions, child abuse or neglect findings, or a history of placement disruptions can further complicate finding placement.
To inquire about returning to Extended Foster Care, contact the regional PAL Staff or the main CPS reporting number at (800)252-5400, specifying your status as an aged-out foster youth seeking program re-entry and needing PAL Staff contact. The Texas Foster Youth Justice Project can also offer assistance.
For returns during school breaks (1-4 months), contact CPS well in advance, not at the last minute.
Supervised Independent Living (SIL): A Stepping Stone to Independence
Supervised Independent Living (SIL) is a newer Extended Foster Care placement option where young adults live independently while receiving casework and support services. SIL placements can be apartments, dormitories, or houses, offered by various providers with flexible setup options. While caseworkers conduct periodic check-ins, there is no 24/7 on-site supervision. Depending on the housing program, some on-site staff may be available. CPS covers housing costs in SIL, and participants receive funds for expenses like food and phone. Managing daily tasks like meal preparation, cleaning, and laundry is the participant’s responsibility. Income from employment during SIL is yours to keep, allowing for savings towards future expenses like housing after leaving foster care or a vehicle.
SIL placement eligibility requires being between 18-20 years old, applying for SIL, demonstrating maturity and responsibility, and meeting Extended Foster Care requirements of work, school, training, or having a qualifying medical condition. More information on Supervised Independent Living is available on the DFPS website. SIL is increasingly popular, offering relief from the challenges of aging out of foster care programs.
Trial Independence: A Transition Period
Leaving foster care at 18 or older initiates a 6-month Trial Independence period (extendable to 12 months with a court order) under state law. During this time, you may live independently while receiving transitional benefits such as 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, returning to Extended Foster Care remains an option if eligibility criteria are met and placement is available. Your CPS court case remains open during Trial Independence, offering potential court assistance and oversight if transitional service issues arise. See Extended Court Jurisdiction section for more details.
Moving to a college dorm is an example of trial independence. Returning to Extended Foster Care during summer break suspends trial independence, which restarts upon returning to college in the fall.
Trial Independence is designed to facilitate re-entry into Extended Foster Care and provide extra support during the transition to full independence. It also enables CPS to access federal funding for Extended Foster Care. 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 other than taking steps to receive desired benefits and services.
Limited Placement Options for Older Foster Youth: Planning Ahead
Unfortunately, placement options are limited for older foster youth, especially those over 18. Efforts to increase placements continue. However, placement for Extended Foster Care return, particularly with a history of placement difficulties, cannot be guaranteed. Careful planning before leaving care, including sufficient funds and assured future income, is crucial. This is especially important if you are in education or have the option to remain in your current placement post-18. Saving transitional funds for well-defined future plans is advisable. Leaving foster care without financial stability for rent and bills will create significant challenges. If dissatisfied with your current placement but open to other foster care options, discuss potential Transitional Living Programs or Supervised Independent Living placements with your caseworker and PAL worker. Waiting lists may apply. Caseworkers can also explore future foster home placement opportunities.
Leaving Foster Care: Notification and Arrangements
When deciding to leave foster care, notify your caseworker and PAL worker well in advance to allow time for necessary arrangements and benefit initiation. Sudden departures can complicate benefit access. Requesting a court order for a 12-month Trial Independence period instead of the default 6 months is also possible.
Extended Court Jurisdiction: Continued Oversight
Upon turning 18, the court overseeing your foster care case retains jurisdiction for specific periods. For those in Extended Foster Care, continued court oversight is legally mandated. Post-foster care, court jurisdiction extends for 6-12 months of Trial Independence to provide potential assistance during this period and facilitate quicker re-entry into Extended Foster Care if desired. No hearings are mandatory during this time, and attendance at any court-initiated hearing is not required, though advisable if issues arise. CPS will not supervise your situation or maintain contact during Trial Independence unless transitional services are requested. To extend court jurisdiction until age 21 or for a 12-month Trial Independence, inform the Court.
The most effective way to communicate your desire for extended court jurisdiction or a longer Trial Independence is by attending court hearings and informing the Judge, as well as notifying your caseworker, CASA, and Attorney Ad Litem. Written requests to the Court, including full name, address, phone number, court name, and case number (if known), are also acceptable.
Remember, at 18, you are legally an adult, no longer under CPS custody (conservatorship). The Court cannot dictate your actions or residence. Extended Court Jurisdiction is beneficial for foster youth, aiding in achieving employment or education goals, addressing needs, and resolving unresolved issues like identification documents and sibling contact.
For court assistance in obtaining CPS services, contact the Texas Foster Youth Justice Project.
Planning for Your Life After Foster Care: Starting Early
Transition planning should commence with your caseworker by age 16. If not initiated, proactively raise the issue. Youth in Texas Juvenile Justice Department facilities who entered while in foster care are still eligible for Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) services, even if released post-18 and ineligible for foster care return. Contact Disability Rights Texas at (800)252-9108 if PAL services are unavailable in your facility or for other assistance. See Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Program section for details.
Caseworkers should collaborate with foster parents/caregivers, attorney ad litem, CASA, PAL worker, and Aftercare worker in planning meetings. These meetings should identify planning needs, discuss Extended Foster Care options, and review the PAL program. Decisions on using a Circle of Support or Transition Plan Meetings for transition plan creation will also be made.
Circle of Support: Collaborative Planning
A Circle of Support aids in foster care exit planning. It involves a group of supportive adults, like foster parents, teachers, relatives, church members, or mentors, forming your support network. Biological family, even parents with terminated rights (unless deemed unsafe by the caseworker), are often included. If considering living with family post-foster care, inform Circle of Support planners and the court to explore this option. A facilitator, separate from your caseworker, guides the Circle of Support process and meetings, and will discuss inviting your attorney ad litem, CASA, and PAL worker. The group collaborates to create a written transition plan. You have the right to advance planning and follow-up on action items, including subsequent Circle of Support meetings.
Transition Plan Meetings: Focused Planning
Transition Plan Meetings are for foster youth who prefer not to have a Circle of Support or when time constraints prevent it. Even after a Transition Plan Meeting, a Circle of Support can be established for broader involvement. Besides your caseworker, you can invite two additional participants. The meeting focuses on developing your transition plan for independent living.
For concerns about the planning process or lack of planning by age 16 1/2, contact the Texas Foster Youth Justice Project at (877) 313-3688.
Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Program: Skills and Support
The Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program, a part of Transitional Living Services, assists with foster care transition. It focuses on identifying necessary independent living skills, providing skill-building, case management, and limited post-foster care financial assistance. DFPS manages the PAL program, contracting with agencies for service delivery.
When PAL is mentioned, seek clarification on the specific aspect being discussed, as the term covers various activities, workers, and agencies involved in the CPS Preparation for Adult Living program and Transitional Living Services. PAL workers are the primary contacts for transition-related services and resources.
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 current and former foster youth.
Independent Living Skills Assessment: Gauging Readiness
Around age 16, DFPS must assess your independent living readiness using the Casey Life Skills Assessment. A familiar adult, such as 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 identify your readiness, strengths, and areas needing further development, such as money management, cooking, cleaning, and job skills. Utilize this assessment to identify learning needs for independent living preparation.
How to Contact PAL (Preparation for Adult Living) Workers: Regional Access
Locate the PAL office serving your area of the state here or by searching “DFPS Preparation for Adult Living” online. Contact the office serving your current location. If redirected or if you receive no response, contact the State PAL office at (512)438-5442.
Life Skills Training Class: Essential Skills for Independence
This class, often called PAL or PAL class, is offered to foster youth aged 16 and older and is a component of the Preparation for Adult Living program. It provides 30+ hours of training in 6 key independent living areas:
- Health and Safety
- Housing and Transportation
- Job Readiness
- Financial Management
- Life Decisions and Responsibilities
- Personal and Social Relationships
Classes typically run for several weeks in evenings or weekends, or sometimes as weekend-long programs. While it introduces crucial independent living skills, continuous effort post-class is necessary.
IMPORTANT! Successful completion in at least 5 of the 6 areas, including financial management, is required for eligibility for the $1,000 Transitional Services Allowance. Enrollment post-foster care exit is not possible. Contact your regional PAL Staff if class scheduling hasn’t occurred by age 17 or if transportation is an issue. Contact the Texas Foster Youth Justice Project if class access remains unresolved.
Independent study guide options for the Life Skills Training class can be approved by the DFPS Preparation for Adult Living program in specific situations. This requires close work with an adult mentor to complete projects and tasks. While the class is generally preferred, if class placement is impossible before leaving care, request the independent study guide option. Plan and request this in advance due to completion time.
Financial Services: Support After Foster Care
Transitional Living Allowance and Aftercare Room and Board are financial aid options post-foster care. See Finding a Place to Live in the Housing section for more information.
Health Care Benefits: Medicaid Extension
Texas foster youth aging out of care 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, but steps must be taken to maintain coverage until 26. See the Health Insurance/Medical section of the website for details.
Case Management for Aged Out Foster Youth: Ongoing Support
Case management services are available until age 21 to assist with the transition to independence post-foster care. Case managers, typically from private agencies contracted with CPS, can help access benefits, find housing, seek employment and training, apply for education and financial aid, plan for independent living, budget, open bank accounts, and more. Utilizing case management services is optional. Contact regional or state Preparation for Adult Living offices for assistance in obtaining case management.
Living with Biological Parent When Aging Out of Foster Care: Considerations
Returning to a biological parent or the person you were removed from is an option. As long as CPS conservatorship remains until age 18, eligibility for aged-out foster youth benefits should remain, even if CPS places you with your parents. Conservatorship means CPS has court-ordered responsibility for you. However, if custody or adoption is granted to a biological parent or someone else before 18, benefit eligibility may be affected. This complex situation requires detailed discussion with your PAL worker, attorney ad litem, and CASA if considering leaving CPS conservatorship before 18. Even when considered aged-out, Transitional Living Allowance and Aftercare Room and Board may be withheld if living with a biological parent or removed individual if CPS has health and safety concerns. CPS aims to avoid funding situations of mistreatment.
Educational, Vocational, and Supportive Services: Resources for Success
All youth, in or out of foster care, and regardless of age, can receive PAL Staff assistance with:
- Obtaining Tuition Waiver letters.
- Information and application assistance for the Education Training Voucher (ETV) program.
- College or other education applications and financial aid applications.
Additional services, subject to need and funding:
- 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: PAL Staff Support
Regional PAL Staff should provide vital transitional services for youth still in foster care. PAL Staff or Coordinators should assist you and your caseworker with transition preparation, participate in planning, explain benefits, help identify and access regional resources for education, employment, and housing, aid in obtaining identification documents, and guide higher education and financial aid applications.
Other Preparation for Adult Living Program Activities: Expanding Horizons
Statewide Teen Conference: An annual three-day conference on a college campus with workshops addressing issues relevant to foster youth preparing for adulthood. Adult sponsors like caseworkers or PAL workers must accompany youth.
Statewide Youth Leadership Council: Composed of two current or former foster youth from each region, providing youth input and perspectives for policy and program development and recommendations for service improvement.
Regional Youth Leadership Council: Some CPS regions have youth leadership councils. Contact your regional PAL worker for regional activities.
Regional Activities: Various regional activities may occur, including 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 in Texas colleges for foster youth.
PEAKS Camp: A four-day camp for foster youth focusing on self-esteem building, problem-solving, communication improvement, and fun activities.
Aging-Out Seminars/Transitional Living Conference: A mandatory one-day program for foster youth aged 17 in licensed or verified foster care, building on Life Skills Training class content.
Contact your regional PAL Staff and your caseworker for information on statewide or regional events, services, or resources.
Transition Centers: One-Stop Support Hubs
Transition Centers are centralized locations offering comprehensive services to older and aged-out foster youth, and sometimes other at-risk youth and young adults up to age 25. They serve as hubs for programs like Preparation for Adult Living (PAL), offering job skills training, job searching, career exploration, college enrollment assistance, flexible high school diploma/GED programs, financial aid application help (including ETV), housing assistance, identification document assistance, mentoring, and information on aged-out foster youth benefits.
Services vary per Transition Center. Visiting and engaging with staff is the best way to learn about specific offerings. Incorporate a Transition Center visit into your foster care exit planning. If relocating within Texas, explore Transition Centers in your new area. Even if center access is difficult, contacting them to learn about services and assistance is beneficial.
Transition Center resources may 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.
- Limited case management for former foster youth ages 21-25.
- Case manager staff for aged-out foster youth.
A current list of Texas Transition Centers is available online.
Other Resources: Expanding Your Network
Texas Foster Youth Connections provides tips and information for foster youth and those seeking general guidance, covering areas like foster care records, job opportunities, hotlines, housing, finance, education, and healthcare.
The Texas Youth Hotline, reachable at (800)989-6884 (call), chat online, or text (512)872-5777, offers confidential counseling, information, referrals, and local service finding assistance for current and former foster youth and other youth.
Guidance counselors at current or former high schools and graduates are also valuable resources.
211: Community Health and Human Services
Dial 211 or visit 211Texas.org to connect with health and human services in your community and access program information.
