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Last Updated: October 7, 2009

Texas

State Coordinator(s)

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Shannon Ramsey
Senior Program Specialist/Lead
P.O. Box 149030
Austin, TX 78714
Phone: (512) 438-2350
Fax:
Email: Shannon.Ramsey@dfps.state.tx.us
Website: http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Protection/Transitional_Living/default.asp

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Gaye Vopat
PAL Program Specialist
701 West 51st Street
MC W-157
Austin, TX 78751
Phone: (512) 438-5442
Fax: (512) 438-3782
Email: gaye.vopat@dfps.state.tx.us
Website: http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Protection/Transitional_Living/default.asp

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Caroline Bogues
ETV Program Specialist/Youth Liaison
701 West 51st Street
MC W-157
Austin, TX 78751
Phone: (512) 438-3144
Fax: (512) 438-3782
Email: caroline.bogues@dfps.state.tx.us

2009 Chafee Allocation

$8,079,527

2009 ETV Allocation

$2,716,898

Number of youth 16-21 (most current AFCARS data -2006)

3115

State's Chafee Mission Statement

The mission of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is to protect children, the elderly, and people with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation by involving clients, families, and communities.

DFPS Values

  • We protect the unprotected
  • We involve clients, families and communities in decision making
  • We provide quality services
  • We are innovative and strive for excellence
  • We are ethical and accountable
  • We promote diversity
  • We value our staff

Who is Eligible for Chafee Services?

Youth ages 14 - 20, with emphasis on youth 16 through 20 years of age, that are in out-of-home care are eligible. Youth in out-of-home care on their 18th birthday are eligible for services until the age of 21, and up to 23 years of age in some cases to complete their education.

What is the State's Definition of Room and Board?

Allowable Expenditures for Aftercare Room and Board:

  • Rent deposits
  • Rent payments
  • Utility deposits
  • Utility payments
  • Residential housing deposits or residential housing payments at college (there cannot be duplication of funds from another source, such as for Education and Training Voucher funds)
  • Financial compensation up to $350 per month to host homes

Maximum Age that Youth may Remain in Care

22

No additional information is available.

Under what Conditions Can a Youth Remain in Care Beyond 18?

Youth can remain in care until age 22 to complete high school and age 21 to complete a GED or vocational training program. Effective September 2007, the Return to Care Program allows certain eligible youth 18 to 20 years of age who have aged out of the foster care system to return to care in order to attend high school or GED course (up to age 22), attend a vocational or technical program (up to age 21), or return on a break from college or a technical or vocational program for at least one month but no more than 4 months (up to age 21).

Is the Extended Medicaid Option Available for Youth Until 21?

Yes

Youth have to do an annual eligibility redetermination.

Can Youth in Care Get Driver’s Licenses?

Yes

A CPS staff person who is a supervisor or above signs the application for the driver's license.

Does the State Offer Tuition Waivers for Foster Youth?

Yes

No additional information is available. 

Does the State Have a Youth Leadership Program?

Yes

Statewide Youth Leadership Council (Youth Advisory Board): The Statewide Youth Leadership Council consists of two current or former foster care youth from each of the 11 service regions.They provide input aimed at improving the foster care system. The committee also reviews relevant policy and procedures from the youth perspective.