Advocating for Older Youth in Foster Care through the Collaborative Family Engagement Lens

Summary

In 2022, there were 5,600 youth aged 14-17 in foster care in Texas, facing difficult questions about their transition to adulthood. Of those youth, 1,087 aged out of care with no network available, leaving them vulnerable to homelessness, trafficking, and poor life prospects. Feedback from CASA programs indicate that while they desire to engage family for these children and youth, there are many barriers that may prevent the actual Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) work from occurring. Those barriers include, but are not limited to, the difficulty of finding family members who are willing to engage with CASA or the child’s caseworker, challenges in knowing how to work with youth who have experienced severe trauma, and general challenges because the system is difficult to navigate. The challenges are further compounded when youth are in unlicensed placements.

This portal site will re-introduce the resources Texas CASA already has, to help support local CASA programs to focus on a trauma-informed, effective way to build connections for youth in PMC. While this site is broken into resources and tasks by age groups, the information can be used at any time and for any older youth in foster care, particularly those in PMC.

Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) Strategies for Older Youth in Foster Care

Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) is a collaboration between CPS/SSCC and CASA, who work together to utilize The 4Cs of CFE (Collaborate, Cultivate, Convene and Connect) to identify and engage a network of support for the youth. This network can consist of family of origin members or other identified relationships that the youth discloses. The key concept for working with youth in foster care is the importance of engaging the youth and supporting them to identify who they feel is a connection and who they want to engage with. It must be a youth-led approach for it to be successful!

Below are some key action points that CASA can take to encourage the CFE approach is used when working with older youth.

A. Ask the court to be appointed to any cases of 14-year-olds in foster care. This will ensure that the team-based approach is utilized and the CFE work can begin.

B. Begin the CFE work as outlined below:

Initial team meetings should be held with professionals (CPS/SSCC/CASA/AAL) to review connections known, status of case, permanency plan, upcoming Circle of Support meetings.
Utilize the Team Meeting Document to develop a strategy to connect youth prior to turning 18.
Discuss the importance of networks with the youth and share how CFE can be utilized to help build those networks:
- CFE for Youth video (English)
- CFE for Youth video (Spanish)
CASA should meet with youth and complete tools to identify connections.
File mining-review the Investigation Report and CVS case file to identify possible connections.
Review of diligent search if completed/start family searching work to identify possible connections.
Optional use of Internet searching tools to find family connections:
- Seneca Search
- Connect our Kids
- White Pages
- Social Media
CFE tools completed again with youth and any family members engaged utilizing the pocket guide as well as the mobility map.
Support youth in developing their Biggest Unmet Needs Statement.
Determine if one more family meetings should be held with extended family/fictive kin/connections.
Ensure CFE process is youth-driven, with youth determining which connections they want to build.

Refer to the CFE information page on the Texas CASA website for additional information.

C. Create a calendar of connections for youth in partnership with the caseworker/AAL and youth.

The use of calendars is a concrete way to move the lifetime network formed in the family meeting process to action, and holds them accountable to the youth and the plan that is being made. Feel free to make a calendar in Word, or use any other calendar you have. Activities on the calendar should be scheduled in six-week increments, and be updated as needed.

The calendar should be created with the youth’s wishes and plans at the forefront, and the network commits to make these things happen. Alternately, the calendar can be created by the network and shared with the youth for their input and feedback. It is also recommended that network members identify back-up people on the calendar, so that someone will show up for the youth if plans change.

View Sample Calendar

D. Mentorship Opportunities for youth:

Youth who are currently experiencing foster care, as well as those who have transitioned out of care, may benefit from mentorship from committed adults. Mentoring provides a valuable experience for any child, but for youth experiencing foster care, it can be especially beneficial and is key to achieving normalcy.
Review community resources for mentors for youth.
Work with placement to see how youth can be involved in school organizations with teachers who can act as mentors.

Impact for youth on Aging out of the Foster Care System

Aging out of the foster care system without a support system is one of the worst outcomes that could occur for a youth. Below you will hear from youth with lived experiences of aging out of the system.

Timeline of Resources Available by Age Group for Older Youth in Foster Care

There are many resources that are available to youth in foster care, depending on their age. As a CASA volunteer, it is important to work with the caseworker to ensure that these benefits are provided to youth.

Youth in PMC care will have the Casey Life Skills Assessment administered. This will be provided to their caseworker, who will consider the young person’s individual needs and strengths in their work with the youth and incorporate them into the transitional planning process through the Child’s Plan of Service.
Have a discussion with the youth regarding post high school plans/desires. Do they want to attend college? Do they want to attend a trade school?
Schedule a meeting with high school counselor and youth to ensure that there is a plan in place to obtain necessary credits for high school graduation and address barriers early.
The young person has the right to attend any permanency planning meetings held, including transition planning meetings and court hearings. They should also participate in the planning of and attend circle of support meetings (Tex. Fam. Code §264.121(a), CPS Handbook §6252).
DFPS must obtain a credit report for the youth annually starting at age 14 and work to correct it, if needed (CPS Handbook §6453).

Ensure all items from age 14 are complete.
CASA can explore a youth’s need or desire for a name change and advocate to youth’s attorney ad litem if a name change is needed.
Remind CPS/SSCC and the court that identification documents are required to be provided to the youth by their 16th birthday.
Begin identifying options for post-foster care life, including whether reconnecting with family of origin may be appropriate or desired by youth. Also discuss other people that the youth might want to be connected with and have as a part of their team after they are no longer in foster care.
Begin to determine whether a guardianship or a less-restrictive alternative may be needed (such as a Supported Decision-Making Agreement).

Ensure all items for ages 14 and 15 are completed.
Make sure youth has a PAL worker. Regional PAL’s contact information is here.
Circles of Support meetings should begin at age 16. Additional information on Circles of Support can be found here.
Youth should be enrolled and begin PAL program.
CPS is required to provide the youth with their original or certified birth certificate, Social Security card, Texas ID or driver’s license, and original immigration documents, if any (Tex. Fam. Code §264.121(e), (e-1), (e-2), CPS Handbook §6452.1).
Make sure DFPS has applied for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for youth, if appropriate (CPS Handbook §1574 does not require applying until age 17, but this is too late to get the entire process completed).
Youth can ask the court through their attorney ad litem to be made their own medical consenter if they wish (Tex. Fam. Code §266.010, CPS Handbook §11140).

Ensure all items from above are complete.
Provide the young person access to A Guide for Those “Aging Out” of Foster Care in Texas.
Review options for and benefits of extended foster care with the youth. Discuss what they want to happen and what is possible for them, given their individual circumstances. (Remaining in their current placement, Supervised Independent Living, etc.).
- Regional Housing Liaison
- DFPS Housing Program
- Services for Youth & Young Adults
Review benefits and services available to youth after they leave foster care.
If a youth receives SSI, identify a new payee if youth cannot handle their own payments (or youth can become their own payee when they turn 18 by visiting the Social Security office).
- Spotlight on SSI Benefits
- DFPS Handbook 1585.2 17-Year-Old SSI Report
Check in on educational progress and connect youth with non-traditional education programs, if needed.
Ensure youth is attending or has completed PAL (Preparation for Adult Living) life skills classes (CPS Handbook §10222).
Visit a local transition center with youth and become familiar with available resources for youth in your area.
Help the youth request a tuition wavier and apply for ETV funds to cover college or dual credit classes; submit properly completed FAFSA (see resources section).
It is recommended that all youth at age 17 should have their Housing Plan completed.
Educate the youth about their options to remain in care through Extended Foster Care, and discuss options with them such as Transitional Living Placements and the Supervised Independent Living Program.
- Supervised Independent Living Program
- Extended Foster Care
SIL applications can be submitted 45 days prior to the 18^th birthday.
Housing Voucher applications can be submitted 90 days prior to the 18^th birthday.

Ensure all items from above are complete.
All males are required to register for the Selective service within 30 days of their 18th birthday (can register and verify registration at www.sss.gov).
Take youth to register to vote (not required, but can support identification).
Ensure that youth are provided information in writing about trust funds, Social Security benefits, and bank accounts.
Youth should be provided with or have access to their education portfolio (CPS Handbook §15423) health passport, and health insurance cards.
Young people who age out of foster care at 18 are eligible to remain on Medicaid through their 26^th birthday. Make sure the young adult knows how to renew their Medicaid benefits.
Make sure youth know about their right to request their CPS case records.
Make sure that young people know that they can choose to remain in extended foster care until age 21, including applying for the Supervised Independent Living (SIL) program. If they choose to enter trial independence they still have the right to return to extended foster care up until their 21^st birthday.
Ensure youth understands how to access transition support services and benefits and who to contact if they have questions.
Youth who age out and leave foster care for trial independence can sign up for Transition Support Services, which includes Aftercare Room & Board emergency assistance. Links as follows:
- Regional contractors for the services
- Information about the services is available on the PAL link

Permanency Planning Meetings Information and Best Practices

For youth 14 and older, young people in foster care may attend permanency planning meetings (PPMs) to develop or enhance the youth’s plans for transitioning to successful adulthood. This transition includes exploring permanency options and expanding and strengthening the youth’s support network. Learn more about partnering with youth for permanency planning.

The Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) or a Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC) conducts the permanency planning meetings annually. DFPS supports the youth to invite at least two appropriate adults (other than the DFPS caseworker or foster parent) of the youth’s choosing to each permanency planning meeting at least annually. However, DFPS may prohibit a person from participating if DFPS thinks the person would not act in the youth’s best interest.

For youth age 14 or older in conservatorship, DFPS documents, reviews, and updates plans for transitioning to successful adulthood in the Child’s Plan of Service (CPOS). This occurs at the following times:

At each review of the CPOS.
Within the time frames described in the table below.

Youth’s Situation

Earliest Acceptable Date

Latest Acceptable Date

Turning 18 (whether leaving DFPS care or not)

90 days before the youth’s 18^th birthday

The day before the youth’s 18^th birthday

Leaving extended foster care

90 days before the day the youth leaves extended foster care

The day before the youth leaves extended foster care

Topics to Discuss with the Youth

During the development of the youth’s CPOS, the caseworker discusses the following with the youth:

The youth’s hopes, dreams, worries, and strengths.
The youth’s plans for the following:
- Support network
- Education
- Health (including medication management, if applicable)
- Permanency (see 6212 Permanency Planning for more information)
- Housing
- Money management
- Transportation
- Employment
Local housing costs
Housing resources
Available housing assistance

Learn more about the importance of involving youth in permanency planning.

Circle of Support Information and Best Practices

A Circle of Support (COS) meeting is optional, but it is the preferred type of meeting for a youth age 14 or older. The idea of a circle of support was developed in Canada and spread quickly through North America in the mid-1980s. A circle of support, sometimes called a circle of friends, is a group of people who meet together on a regular basis to help somebody accomplish their personal goals in life. The circle acts as a community around that person (the 'focus person') who, for one reason or another, is unable to achieve what they want in life on their own and decides to ask others for help. The focus person is in charge, both in deciding who to invite to be in the circle, and in the direction that the circle's energy is employed, although a facilitator is normally chosen from within the circle to take care of the work required to keep it running.

The members of the circle, who may include family, friends and other community members, are usually not paid to be there. They are involved because they care enough about the focus person to give their time and energy to helping that person to overcome obstacles and increase the options which are open to them. Although the focus person's goals are the primary focus of everything the circle does, the relationship is not just one way. The members will all have diverse perspectives and interests, and the circle might bring forward new ideas, which the focus person had not considered before. Because of this, an important function of the circle is to regularly re-visit the plans that are being discussed while maintaining the focus’s person’s wishes at the center of the conversation.

The circle is not a service or tool to be applied to a certain group of people. Circles are about seeing people as individuals who feel they need support in order to take more control over their own lives. A circle properly facilitated is empowering to all of the individuals involved and, unlike many service systems, does not reinforce dependence. (TexasYouthConnection.org)

Utilizing CFE tools to help the youth identify possible supportive adults to attend the meetings is important. The CASA volunteer can start talking to youth as early as possible to ensure we know who is important to the youth and should be at those meetings. A COS meeting referral is made after a youth in the conservatorship of the state turns 14. The COS is directed by the youth and focuses on the youth.

Although a COS may be used for various purposes, the primary purpose is to:

Develop plans for a youth’s transition to successful adulthood.
Identify, build, and strengthen new and existing connections to supportive and caring adults who will help the youth now and throughout the youth’s life.

If the youth chooses not to participate in a Circle of Support, the Department of Family and Protective Services will still have a permanency planning meeting for the youth.

Learn more about the importance of authentic youth engagement in our two-part webinar series:

Resources Available for Older Youth

Transitional Living Services programs and benefits help youth and young adults have a smooth transition to adulthood and can help them create and achieve long-term education, career and life goals. Transitional Living Services programming begins at age 14 and may continue until age 21 if the young adult chooses to remain in extended foster care.

PAL (Preparation for Adult Living)

The Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program was implemented in 1986 to ensure that older youth in substitute care are prepared for their inevitable departure from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services’ care. At any given time, there are about 3,500 youth 16 years of age and older in substitute care. With funding availability, regions may serve any youth 14 or older on whom Child Protective Services has an open case. PAL program staff strive to provide each of these youth with skills and resources they will need to be healthy, productive adults. Preparing youth for adulthood is much more than teaching youth how to balance a checkbook and sign a lease. PAL services include involvement in programs aimed at improving youths' self-esteem and improving their ability to make responsible decisions. PAL helps youth face the challenges of adulthood and independence.

There is no typical case for which PAL services are provided. Many of the youth have endured emotional and psychological trauma, and most have few options for living arrangements once they are discharged from care. PAL, in collaboration with public and private organizations, assists youth in identifying and developing support systems and housing for when they leave care. The PAL program gives these youth skills and training, but most of all, it helps them realize that there are options.

PAL policy requires that staff or contractors conduct an assessment of each PAL participant’s general readiness to live independently around the youth’s 14^th birthday if they are in PMC and around their 16^th birthday if they not in PMC of the state. The results of the assessment are used to develop individualized plans and training to prepare youth for adult living. DFPS uses the Casey Life skills guide.

One of the most well-known aspects of the PAL program is the provision of training classes to assist youth in developing skills necessary to function as an adult. Regions contract with community organizations to provide this training. Information and guidance for other acceptable methods (such as online courses) to complete the Living Skills Training can be discussed on a case-by-case basis with regional PAL staff. For example, youth with disabilities may require accommodations to participate in and complete both the assessment and the training. In all cases, training must cover the following areas:

Health and Safety
Housing and Transportation
Job Readiness
Financial Management
Life Decisions/Responsibility
Personal/Social Relationships

Aging Out Seminars for youth 17+ - Aging-out seminars PDF Document allow youth ages 15 ½ to 18 to meet in interactive groups to learn more about DFPS Transitional Living Services, programs, benefits, community resources, and other important life skills topics.

Youth Leadership Council activities - Youth Leadership Council includes two youth or young adults (ages 16 to 21) per region, giving youth who are, or were in foster care a forum to address issues that affect children and youth.

Workforce Solutions - Youth and young adults in the PAL program are referred by PAL staff, CPS staff, and providers to local Workforce Solutions offices for help with the following:

Looking for a job
Getting ready to start a job
Learning about career workshops
Setting up a profile and job search on the Texas workforce and Work in Texas

Transitional Living Services

A transitional living allowance of up to $1,000 may be distributed in increments not to exceed $500 per month if funding is available. The PAL worker must request the benefit for youth. Eligible young adults:

Must have been in DFPS paid foster or other residential care within the 24 months prior to initiating the allowance.
Must be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien.
Must have completed at least 5 hours of training in each of 5 of the 6 PAL life skills core elements (Any substitution of training hours or variance must be approved by the regional PAL supervisor).
Must be moving or have moved into an independent living arrangement, or a supervised or semi-supervised setting.
Must not be living with a designated perpetrator while receiving assistance.
Must be employed, be actively seeking employment (for those youth who are able to work), be enrolled and attending school or college, or be receiving prevocational or vocational training services.
Must provide all information required by regional CPS staff.

Transition Support Services are supportive services provided to eligible youth. Youth still in care may receive Pre-Transition Support Services, which can provide temporary, specifically identified assistance to youth in care or young adults in extended foster care related to educational, vocational or housing needs. Additionally, young adults who have aged out and are no longer in care may receive Post-Transition Support Services, which includes case management, connection to local resources and healthy support for youth transitioning to adulthood.

Based on need, young adults enrolled in Post-Transition Support Services can receive aftercare room and board assistance of up to $500 per month, with a total cap of $3,000 of accumulated payments. Some variances may be considered in emergency or special circumstances. These funds can be utilized towards rent, utilities, rent/utilities deposits, or food.

Eligible young adults:

Must be between 18 and 20 years of age (up to 21^st birthday).
Must be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien.
Must have aged out of foster care at age 18 or older.
Must not be living with a designated perpetrator who committed abuse or neglect on the youth, unless DFPS determines the perpetrator does not pose a threat to the health and safety of the youth while receiving assistance.
Must be in an educational program, be employed or actively seeking employment (for those who are able to work), or be receiving prevocational or vocational training services.
Must prove financial need, with priority given to youth who do not receive adequate assistance from another source to meet minimal room and board needs.

The Youth Housing Services and Program provides information to help youth transitioning from foster care to adulthood learn about housing and rental assistance options. Getting eligible young adults (18 to 24) housing rental assistance vouchers should be a top priority. The goal of the Youth Housing Services and Program at DFPS (Transitional Living Services) is to house as many young adults as possible and to end homelessness for those transitioning from foster care to adulthood. Providing information and support regarding targeted housing vouchers and rental assistance programs throughout Texas is the primary mechanism for achieving these goals.

Public housing authorities across the state provide rental assistance through housing vouchers. Two of these vouchers may be available in certain parts of the state to youth transitioning from foster care to a successful adulthood and who are at risk for homelessness. These vouchers are the Family Unification Program (FUP) Voucher, and the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Voucher. There is also the Section 811 Project Rental Assistance program for eligible youth.

Educational Support

Higher Education Resources and Information

The primary purpose of this guide is to empower education professionals with information, resources, and tools to positively impact the educational experience of students in foster care. It is our hope to promote cross-system practices and collaborative strategies that improve educational stability and achievement, while increasing awareness about the complexities and challenges that impact students in foster care.

Download the Guide

The college tuition waiver provides exemptions of tuition and fees at Texas public institutions of higher education for youth formerly in DFPS conservatorship, adopted youth and certain other youth. The program:

Waives tuition and fees for accredited programs at ALL Texas public vocational schools, colleges, or universities.
Young adults MUST enroll in a course at an approved institution as an undergraduate student or in a dual credit course no later than age 25, unless they were adopted from foster care after 2009. Young adults who were adopted after 2009 do not have an age limit for accessing the tuition and fee waiver.

Eligible youth are those who are:

Age 16 and currently in foster care or extended foster care.
Aged out of DFPS foster care or were legally emancipated by a court while in DFPS foster care and are not yet age 23.
Were adopted from DFPS foster care after turning 16 and not yet age 23.
Have entered a Permanency Care Assistance (PCA) program after turning age 16, and are not yet age 23.

The federal Education and Training Voucher Program provides up to $5,000 a year for college expenses, such as rent, books, utilities, childcare, computers, transportation and tuition.

Provides up to $5,000 per year for expenses related to college or post-secondary training programs.
Permissible expenses include housing and utilities, food, books, transportation, childcare, computer equipment, etc.
The voucher is available for youth between ages 16 and 23 who have a high school diploma or GED and who are enrolled in at least 6 hours at an institution of higher education or at least 3 hours for a dual credit course.
The voucher requires youth to be in foster care at age 16, even if they were later adopted or in a Permanency Care Assistance placement (long-term kinship placement licensed as a foster home).
Administered by BCFS for the entire state.

Health and Disabilities Advocacy

As of January 1, 2014, the Former Foster Care Children program provides healthcare coverage through age 25 to young adults who age out of Texas foster care and who were receiving Medicaid when they aged out of care. This population receives services in two separate programs based on age:

Young adults aged 18 through 20 will be enrolled in STAR Health but can switch to STAR; and
Young adults aged 21 through 25 will receive Medicaid through the STAR plan of their choice through the month of their 26^th birthday.

SSI Resources

Youth with disabilities face numerous challenges when they transition to adulthood. Those who are aging out of foster care face the additional challenge of losing their foster care benefits, although some will be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments after foster care ceases. However, the time needed to process SSI applications exposes those youths to a potential gap in the receipt of benefits as they move between foster care and SSI.

Other Resources For Youth

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) –Vocational Rehabilitation for Youth and Students

Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services serves youth who experienced foster care and students with disabilities to help prepare for post-secondary education and employment opportunities. Services are eligibility and need-based.

Texas Foster Youth Justice Project

Texas Foster Youth Justice Project helps current and former foster youth in Texas. They help foster youth understand their legal rights. They provide legal advice, assistance, guidance and representation in enforcing foster youth rights. They also educate the general public about the legal needs and concerns of foster youth.

Keeping the Urgency for Permanency: A Resource Guide for Serving Youth in PMC Care

A resource guide to help guide the work of volunteers with youth in PMC care. Available on the Texas CASA program portal.

Normalcy Matters: A Guide to Supporting Children & Youth in Texas Foster Care

This guidebook and companion video were developed by Texas CASA and funded by the Supreme Court of Texas Children’s Commission, with the goal of moving the conversation about normalcy beyond simply supporting activities and to really changing the culture of foster care in Texas so that young people are empowered by a fuller range of options in their daily experience of life.

DFPS Foster Care Bill of Rights

College Ready, Career Prepared: A Guide to Life After High School (available for purchase)

Dollars & Sense (available for purchase)