Presented by Hill Country CASA PMC 301 Presented by Hill Country CASA

Preparation for Adult Living The PAL program was implemented in 1986 so that older youth in substitute care are prepared for their inevitable departure from CPS care and support. Target Population: Youth 16 and older who are likely to remain in care until at least age 18, who can qualify for services up to age 21 CPS can serve youth 14 or older with an open case

Youth Age 18 or Older in Voluntary Foster Care: Signing Over SSI and RSDI Benefits Youth who turned age 18 while in DFPS managing conservatorship and who meet certain eligibility requirements, may be eligible for extended foster care and continue receiving DFPS services. Youth sign the Voluntary Extended Foster Care Agreement as an agreement to participate in an activity that allows them to remain eligible for extended foster care. Youth sign the VEFCA before his or her 18th birthday and upon returning to foster care from Trial Independence.

Researching Long-Term Care Resources The CPS caseworker consults with appropriate regional staff who are knowledgeable about placement and service options that would benefit the youth. These include: the assigned developmental disability specialist or the state office developmental disability specialist; the regional placement staff; DADS guardianship staff; and the regional PAL staff. CPS Extended Foster Care may be an option up until the youth turns age 22. This option requires that arrangements for Extended Foster Care payments be made before the youth’s 18th birthday.

Appointing a Guardian Youth may need a guardian if they have an intellectual or developmental disability or physical disability that will substantially limit their ability to gain the skills to live independently. These skills include the ability to: provide food, clothing, and shelter for themselves; care for their physical health; and manage their financial affairs. A guardian of the person or estate, or both, is a court-appointed representative given the responsibility and authority to manage the health, well-being, personal, and financial needs of the person. Because guardianship removes many or all of the person’s legal rights as an adult and generally remains in effect for a lifetime, guardianship is considered as a last resort. The possible need for a guardian should be discussed in the youth’s service plans, permanency meetings, Circles of Support, Transition Planning, and court reviews.

Search for a Guardian The youth’s caseworker begins searching for a guardian no later than the youth’s 16th birthday or when DFPS receives conservatorship, if the youth is age 16 or older. The law requires that family members and friends be considered for guardians before a guardianship program such as DADS. A foster parent can become the guardian.

Criteria for DADS Guardianship Referral CPS refers a youth in the conservatorship of DFPS who is 16 years of age or older and aging out of care (AOC) to DADS Guardianship Services, the state’s guardianship program, for assessment when all of the following criteria are met: There is reason to believe that because of a physical or mental condition, the youth will be substantially unable to provide for his or her own food, clothing or shelter. The youth will be unable to provide for his or her own physical health. The youth will be unable to manage his or her own financial affairs when the individual becomes an adult. There is a source of funding. Less restrictive alternatives to guardianship are not appropriate or available. No suitable family members or other interested parties are willing or able to serve as guardian.  

Extending Foster Care There are some young adults who may not be ready or may not choose to leave foster care at age 18. Young adults may stay in Extended Foster Care if certain requirements are met. Extended Foster Care is a voluntary program that offers young adults opportunities to continue foster care placement and facilitate the transition to independence with DFPS supervision, if there is an available placement.

Education and Work Related Criteria for Extended Foster Care To continue to receive foster care, a young adult must be… 18, 19, 20, or 21 years old… and... regularly attending high school or a program leading to a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate (GED). 18, 19, or 20 years old… regularly attending an institution of higher learning or postsecondary vocational or technical program (minimum six hours per semester); participating in a program or activity that promotes or removes barriers to employment; employed at least 80 hours a month; or incapable of performing the activities described above due to a documented medical condition.

Within 90 Days Before the Youth’s 18th Birthday For youth that elect to stay in Extended Foster Care after turning 18 and as part of the transition planning process, CPS staff must: conduct a face-to-face meeting with the youth explaining the requirements youth must meet while in extended foster care and their continued eligibility to remain in extended foster care; discuss Extended Care: Client Rights & Responsibilities and DFPS Extended Care Return to Care Brochure; explain Voluntary Extended Foster Care Agreement (VEFCA) form to the youth and have the youth sign the agreement; and request that the court authorize an extension of court jurisdiction of twelve months at the last placement review hearing before the youth’s 18th birthday.

Circle of Support A Circle of Support conference is held soon after a youth who has been removed from the home reaches age 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 a transition plan for older youth who are moving from foster care to adulthood; and connect the youth to supportive and caring adults who can help when the youth ages out of care. A COS includes broad participation by members of the youth’s support network.

Services Available to Youth Independent Living Skills Assessment- completed around the youth’s 16th birthday in order to develop specific plans and training to help prepare the youth for adult living Independent Living Skills Health and Safety Housing and Transportation Job Readiness Financial Management Life Decisions/Responsibility Personal/Social Relationships

Transition Centers Transition centers are “one stop shops” that serve many needs of young people ages 15½ to 25 who are aging out or have aged out of foster care. They’re a central place to get services such as PAL, help with getting a job, college enrollment, housing referrals, and mentoring. Partners offer services like career counseling, substance abuse and mental health counseling, housing assistance, and leadership training Transition centers are located throughout Texas.

How to Assist Your Youth Build a trusting relationship with your youth Be mindful of your youth’s strengths and weakness Remember support persons can come from anywhere, even birth parents can be considered Everyone needs someone to watch out for them Educate yourself on your youth’s diagnosis and prognosis Attend Circle of Support, Court Hearings or related staffing Ask questions Be a good listener

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead prepare for it. The present is here, live it.