H. Transitional Services

DFPS shall address unique challenges facing youth in conservatorship transitioning to independence pursuant to Tex. Fam. Code § 264.121, including efforts to improving transition planning and providing experiential life skills-training. Tex. Fam. Code § 264.121(a)(1) and Tex. Fam. Code § 264.121(a-2).

Tex. Fam. Code § 264.121(i) relates to transition planning. DFPS shall ensure that the transition plan for each youth 16 years of age or older includes provisions to assist the youth in managing the youth’s housing needs after the youth leaves foster care, including provisions that:

•   Identify the cost of housing in relation to the youth’s sources of income, including any benefits or rental assistance available to the youth;

•   If the youth’s housing goals include residing with family or friends, state that DFPS has addressed the following with the youth:

◦   the length of time the youth expects to stay in the housing arrangement;

◦   expectations for the youth regarding paying rent and meeting other household obligations;

◦   the youth’s psychological and emotional needs, as applicable; and

◦   any potential conflicts with other household members, or any difficulties connected to the type of housing the youth is seeking, that may arise based on the youth’s psychological and emotional needs;

•   Inform the youth about emergency shelters and housing resources, including supervised independent living and housing at colleges and universities, such as dormitories;

•   Require DFPS to review a common rental application with the youth and ensure that the youth possesses all of the documentation required to obtain rental housing; and

•   Identify any individuals who are able to serve as cosigners or references on the youth’s application for housing. Tex. Fam. Code § 264.121(i).

Provision of Copies of Certain Records

DFPS shall ensure that each youth acquires a copy and a certified copy of the youth’s birth certificate, a social security card or replacement social security card, as appropriate, and a personal identification certificate under Tex. Transp. Code Chapter 521, on or before the date the on which the youth turns 16. Tex. Fam. Code § 264.121(e).

When providing a youth with a document required by Tex. Fam. Code § 264.121(e-1), DFPS shall provide the youth with a copy and a certified copy of the document or with the original document, as applicable. Tex. Fam. Code § 264.121(e-2).

If, at the time a youth is discharged from foster care, the youth is at least 18 years of age or has had the disabilities of a minor removed, DFPS shall provide to the youth, not later than the 30th day before the date the child is discharged from foster care, of the following information and documents unless the youth already has the information or document:

• The youth’s birth certificate;
• The youth’s immunization records;
• The information contained in the youth’s health passport;
• A personal identification certificate under Tex. Transp. Code § 521.032;
• A social security card or a replacement social security card, if appropriate; and
• Proof of enrollment in Medicaid, if appropriate. Tex. Fam. Code § 264.121(e-1).

For more information about how to support youth who are transitioning from foster care, please see: A Guide for Those "Aging Out" of Foster Care in Texas.[6]