While many people focus on “traditional” families struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, young adults in extended foster care or those who have aged out of the system are finding themselves in an economic hardship that is no fault of their own.
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) has help available for teens and young adults ages 14-21. Pandemic-related funds can be used for educational and transitional living costs and personal expenses.
Specifically, financial support is available for youth and young adults in foster care or extended foster.
The DFPS says, for young adults age 18-21, who have aged out or left foster care, “these funds are able to meet not only pandemic related needs, but also educational, vocational, and a variety of auxiliary personal and transitional needs for youth and young adults.”
Additional emergency funding for young adults age 21-27 is offered for those who qualify.
To learn about qualifications and requirements for the DFPS support, contact a Preparation for Adult Living specialist located throughout the area.
Additional assistance is accessible from the Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services (TACFS) for young adults aged out or left the foster care program.
The TACFS is a network of mission-driven organizations that have embraced the call to serve these children and families and work together to improve our care, services, and outcomes statewide.