Targeted Population
PAL policy requires that youth 16 and older who are in substitute care receive services to prepare them for adult living. With funding availability, regions may serve any youth 14 or older on whom Child Protective Services has an open case.
There is no typical case for which PAL services are provided. Length of time in care ranges from one month to almost 14 years, with two to three years being the average. 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. PAL gives these youths skills and training, but most of all, PAL helps them realize that there are options.
Services Independent Living Skills Assessment
PAL policy requires that staff or contractors conduct an initial assessment of each PAL participant’s general readiness to live independently around the youth’s 16th birthday. The results are used to develop specific plans and training to prepare each youth for adult living. A post-assessment is conducted between the youths 17th birthday and two months after discharge from substitute care. Begining in September 2002, Texas is using the Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment.
Helpful Web Site
http://www.caseylifeskills.org
Independent Living Skills Training
A foundation of the PAL program is the provision of training to assist youth in developing skills necessary to function as an adult. Some regions have staff who provide this training but most contract with individuals and private organizations to provide the training. In all cases, training must cover the following areas:
Support services are optional services provided based on need and availability of funding. Listed are examples of some support services provided as funding allows:
PAL policy requires that youth 16 and older who are in substitute care receive services to prepare them for adult living. With funding availability, regions may serve any youth 14 or older on whom Child Protective Services has an open case.
There is no typical case for which PAL services are provided. Length of time in care ranges from one month to almost 14 years, with two to three years being the average. 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. PAL gives these youths skills and training, but most of all, PAL helps them realize that there are options.
Services Independent Living Skills Assessment
PAL policy requires that staff or contractors conduct an initial assessment of each PAL participant’s general readiness to live independently around the youth’s 16th birthday. The results are used to develop specific plans and training to prepare each youth for adult living. A post-assessment is conducted between the youths 17th birthday and two months after discharge from substitute care. Begining in September 2002, Texas is using the Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment.
Helpful Web Site
http://www.caseylifeskills.org
Independent Living Skills Training
A foundation of the PAL program is the provision of training to assist youth in developing skills necessary to function as an adult. Some regions have staff who provide this training but most contract with individuals and private organizations to provide the training. In all cases, training must cover the following areas:
- Personal and Interpersonal Skills
- Job Skills
- Housing and Transportation
- Health
- Planning for the Future
- Money Management
Support services are optional services provided based on need and availability of funding. Listed are examples of some support services provided as funding allows:
- Vocational Assessment and/or Training
- GED Classes
- Preparation for College Entrance Exams
- Driver Education
- High School Graduation Expenses (if not available from another source)
- Counseling
- Volunteer Mentoring to Provide Guidance and Support Benefits/Financial Assistance (Certain guidelines must be met to receive benefits)
- Youths who fully participate in the PAL program are eligible to receive a transitional living allowance once they leave care. The allowance may not exceed $1,000, and it may be distributed in increments not to exceed $500 per month.
- Young adults who are between 18 and 21 years old and have aged out of the foster care system at age 18 or older are eligible for aftercare room and board assistance. Financial assistance up to $500 per month may be used for rent, rent deposit, utilities, and food/groceries. There is a lifetime cap of $3,000 of accumulated payments per client.
Resource for Youth Leaving Care
The Texas Youth Hotline is a resource for youths who are under 21 years of age, including those who have aged out of the foster care system. Youth may contact the statewide hotline at 1-800-210-2278 for telephone counseling and information and referrals. The hotline can help young adults locate services available in their communities.
Tuition and Fee Waiver
Youths who are in DFPS substitute care on or after their 18th birthday, or who obtain their high school diploma or its equivalent while they are in foster or other residential care, may attend state supported vocational schools, colleges, and universities with tuition and fees waived. Youths who are adopted from foster care or who are eligible for adoption at age 14 or older may also be eligible for the waiver. This legislation was enacted in 1993, with revisions made in 1997.