H.A.Y. Center

FAQs

1. I’m in a foster home/group home/shelter right now, why should I participate with the PAL Program?

2. I’m turning 18 in a few months and can’t wait to get out of foster care; what should I be doing?

3. I recently turned 18 – what now?

4. I hear that some youth get money when they turn 18 – what’s that all about and how do I get mine?

5. My worker is telling me I’ve got to find a place to live – HELP!

6. I was staying with a friend’s family, but now things have changed and I’ve got to move – where can I go?

7. I’m over 18 and have been living with friends for a while now. I really need to go to the dentist. Is there any help available?

8. I dropped out of high school in the 10th grade. Now, I think I’m ready to get my diploma or GED. What do I do?

9. I hear that other former foster youth get to go to college for free. Is this true?

10. What’s E.T.V. and can I get it?

11. Since I turned 18, the only job I’ve been able to get pays too little. I need to make more money! How can PAL Help?

12. I’ve got a friend who was in my group home who now lives in his own apartment. He says that PAL is helping pay his rent. Is this true?

13. What’s the HAY Center all about?

14. Who can I talk to about making plans for my future?

15. What's the 411 on ETV (Educational Training Voucher)?

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1. I’m in a foster home/group home/shelter right now, why should I participate with the PAL Program?
Great question! What’s in it for me? I can think of 1,000 reasons! There are many reasons to participate with the PAL Program. The major reason is for the benefits! By attending life skills training classes while you’re still in care, you not only get information and skills you will need when you become an adult, but you become eligible to receive a transitional living allowance. Currently this allowance is $1,000 dollars payable in payments not to exceed $500 dollars per month.
2. I’m turning 18 in a few months and can’t wait to get out of foster care; what should I be doing?
Simple answer – PLAN, PLAN, PLAN! You’ll need to know where you’re going to be living, where your money is coming from, and what you want to do for a living. While the answer is simple; it’s not always easy to do. That’s why you should put the system to work for you. You should have a Circle of Support staffing done (ask your foster care worker), and work closely with your PAL Caseworker to make sure you’ve had all your classes. Have a plan and make sure everyone is doing what needs to be done to put the plan into action – this includes things you need to do.
3. I recently turned 18 – what now?
Hopefully you have a plan in place, and are where you should be in that plan. If things haven’t gone as planned there’s still time to turn things around. Call your PAL Worker and arrange a time to meet to consider your options. If you don’t know who your PAL Worker is – call us at 713-600-2800 or 713-295-2741!
4. I hear that some youth get money when they turn 18 – what’s that all about and how do I get mine?
Strange enough, what you heard is TRUE! Eligible youth between 18 and 21 who aged out of foster care can receive After Care Room and Board Assistance. Assistance is based on the availability of funds which may be used for rent, rental deposits, utilities, and food/groceries.
5. My worker is telling me I’ve got to find a place to live – HELP!
HELP is the keyword, ask your PAL Worker. There are many living arrangements you may choose from. Some youth continue living in the foster home, rent a room from a friend or former foster family, live in a college dorm, apartments, and transitional shelters. You don’t have to be on the street – there are places to stay.
6. I was staying with a friend’s family, but now things have changed and I’ve got to move – where can I go?
Things change and sometimes it can disrupt your plans. Don’t panic – we’re here to help. There are many living arrangements available. While it may be necessary to stay in a transitional shelter for a short period, we can assist you in putting together a plan that will put you on the path to independence and a place of your own.
7. I’m over 18 and have been living with friends for a while now. I really need to go to the dentist. Is there any help available?
The State of Texas has extended Medicaid benefits to former foster care youth beyond the age of 18. If you have your Medicaid card contact Medicaid and find a doctor in your area and make an appointment. If you don’t have your Medicaid card, contact your PAL Worker and they can assist you in getting your Medicaid started up again. It’s a great benefit – use it!
8. I dropped out of high school in the 10th grade. Now, I think I’m ready to get my diploma or GED. What do I do?
Good idea! Individuals who graduate or have a GED earn more money. Individuals who go to college make even more money. Call your PAL worker and/or come into the HAY Center. We can get you into the correct educational program, and in many cases, help pay for it.
9. I hear that other former foster youth get to go to college for free. Is this true?
TRUE! Youth who aged out of the Texas foster care system can receive a tuition waiver to attend any state supported school in Texas, if they apply within 3 years of being eligible. With additional financial aid to help with other expenses, that means it’s FREE!
10. What’s E.T.V. and can I get it?
It just keeps getting better! E.T.V. (Educational Training Voucher) is money available to help pay for educational expenses not covered with the tuition waiver. To find out more, contact your PAL Worker.
11. Since I turned 18, the only job I’ve been able to get pays too little. I need to make more money! How can PAL Help?
It costs money to live on your own, but all too often entry- level jobs don’t pay a lot of money. We can help you get the training, education, and skills necessary to get a better job. There are many informational workshops, center partners, and training programs available to get you to the next level. Come see us.

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12. I’ve got a friend who was in my group home who now lives in his own apartment. He says that PAL is helping pay his rent. Is this true? How can I get my own place too?
TRUE again! Eligible youth who aged out of foster care can receive After Care Room and Board Assistance to help pay deposits and rent. Contact your PAL Aftercare worker to find out more.

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13. What’s the HAY Center all about?
The HAY Center (Houston Alumni & Youth Center) is a part of the PAL Program. All aftercare services are housed at the HAY Center. In addition to PAL Aftercare Services, the HAY Center houses many community-based partners who offer services to youth (The WorkSource, College for Texans GO Center, A.I.M., etc.). Activities, Programs, Classes, and Services are all here under one roof! The HAY Center is a fun, youth focused place to come hang out with other youth and alumni.
14. Who can I talk to about making plans for my future?
There are many caring adults who are willing to help you reach your full potential. Start early in the planning process, and keep your options open. Take advantage of the Circle of Support planning sessions while still in care, and make sure you are involved in your plan and follow-up to make sure things are taking place on schedule. Your PAL worker will also help you make plans and assist you in making it a reality. You’re in charge – so make it happen!
15. What's the 411 on ETV (Educational Training Voucher)?
TITLE 40 SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE PART 19 DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES CHAPTER 700 CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES SUBCHAPTER P PREPARATION FOR ADULT LIVING DIVISION 2 EDUCATION AND TRAINING VOUCHER PROGRAM RULE §700.1611 What is the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program?

The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program provides financial assistance to eligible former and current foster care youth in order to support their pursuit of postsecondary education or vocational training.

Funding for the ETV Program is provided by the federal grant to the state, pursuant to the amended Chaffee Foster Care Independence Act, 42 U.S.C.

677(i), with required state match. The existence of the ETV Program is subject to this funding.

Source Note: The provisions of this §700.1611 adopted to be effective December 1, 2005, 30 TexReg 7487

RULE §700.1613 Who can be eligible for the ETV Program?

(a) Youth in one of the following categories can be eligible to participate in the ETV Program:

(1) at least 16 years of age and likely to remain in DFPS foster care until age 18;

(2) not yet age 21 but aged out of DFPS foster care; or

(3) not yet age 21 and was adopted from DFPS foster care after turning age 16.

(b) If a student is already participating in the ETV Program when turning age 21, the student may remain eligible for assistance until age 23, as long as the student is making satisfactory progress toward completion of postsecondary education or vocational training, as defined by the institution the student is attending.

Source Note: The provisions of this §700.1613 adopted to be effective December 1, 2005, 30 TexReg 7487

RULE §700.1615 What must an eligible youth do to qualify for participation in the ETV Program?

(a) To qualify for financial assistance under the ETV Program, an eligible youth must:

(1) have a high school diploma or equivalent, or at least be beyond the age of compulsory school attendance (age 18);

(2) be enrolled in an institution of higher education that falls within one of the following categories:

(A) an accredited or pre-accredited, public or nonprofit institution that provides a bachelor's degree or not less than a two-year program that provides credit towards a degree or certification;

(B) an accredited or pre-accredited, public or nonprofit institution that provides not less than a one-year program of training to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation; or

(C) an accredited or pre-accredited, public or nonprofit institution, or a private institution, that has been in existence for at least two years and that provides a program of training to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation; and

(3) complete and file an application and required documentation with the ETV coordinator.

(b) If denied eligibility, DFPS notifies the applicant in writing of the

reason(s) for the denial, and of the right to appeal the denial, as defined in §700.1625 of this title (relating to Can a student appeal a denial of eligibility, or a suspension, or termination of benefits?).

Source Note: The provisions of this §700.1615 adopted to be effective December 1, 2005, 30 TexReg 7487

How much financial assistance may an eligible youth receive under the ETV Program?

The total annual amount of financial assistance that an eligible youth may receive from the ETV Program is determined by the following criteria:

(1) The amount of financial assistance is limited to the lesser of $5,000 or the total cost of attendance, as defined in §472 of the federal Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 USCS 1087ll).

(2) The amount of educational assistance to a student under the ETV Program and any other federal or federally supported program must not exceed the total cost of attendance, as defined in §472 of the federal Higher Education Act of 1965.

(3) Financial assistance provided under the ETV Program cannot duplicate benefits provided under any other federal or federally supported program.

(4) If a student is eligible for the state exemption from payment of tuition and fees, under Texas Education Code §54.211 or §54.2111, and is attending an institution where that exemption applies, the student may not receive financial assistance under the ETV Program for the cost of tuition and fees.

Source Note: The provisions of this §700.1617 adopted to be effective December 1, 2005, 30 TexReg 7487

RULE §700.1619 What types of expenses are included in the cost of attendance for which ETV funds can be used?

ETV funds can be used to pay for the cost of attendance, as that term is defined in §472 of the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, which includes the following:

(1) tuition and fees (for schools/programs that do not qualify for the state tuition/fee waiver);

(2) rental or purchase of required equipment, materials, books, supplies, computer;

(3) room and board allowance;

(4) reasonable costs associated with child care for a student's dependents;

(5) costs associated with special study projects, such as field work or an internship;

(6) reasonable transportation and personal expenses associated with school/program attendance; and

(7) required special services for students who have a disability.

Source Note: The provisions of this §700.1619 adopted to be effective December 1, 2005, 30 TexReg 7487

RULE §700.1621 After a student is initially determined eligible for the ETV Program, are there other requirements the student must meet?

(a) Yes; to remain eligible for the ETV Program, the student must:

(1) maintain satisfactory progress toward completion of postsecondary education or vocational training, as defined by the institution the student is attending; and

(2) submit documentation to establish that minimum enrollment requirements are met and that satisfactory progress, referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection, is being made.

(b) A student's failure to meet the requirements of subsection (a) of this section may result in suspension of continued benefits under the ETV Program. DFPS sends the student written notice of the reason(s) for suspension of ETV benefits, and the student's right to appeal, as defined in

§700.1625 of this title (relating to Can a student appeal a denial of eligibility, or a suspension, or termination of benefits?).

Source Note: The provisions of this §700.1621 adopted to be effective December 1, 2005, 30 TexReg 7487

RULE §700.1623 When does a student lose the right to continue receiving benefits under the ETV Program?

A student's benefits under the ETV Program may be terminated when DFPS discovers that any of the following events has occurred:

(1) the student falsified information in the application for benefits, or in providing required documentation to maintain eligibility for the ETV Program;

(2) the student has used ETV funds for expenses unrelated to the cost of attendance, as defined in §472 of the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, or falsified documentation in accounting for expenditures;

(3) the student is no longer attending the program for which financial assistance has been provided; or

(4) the student reaches the age of ineligibility, as defined in §700.1613 of this title (relating to Who can be eligible for the ETV Program?).

Source Note: The provisions of this §700.1623 adopted to be effective December 1, 2005, 30 TexReg 7487

RULE §700.1625 Can a student appeal a denial of eligibility, or a suspension, or termination of benefits?

(a) Yes, but the student must file a timely written request to appeal the decision in a fair hearing, as defined in §700.310 of this title (relating to Fair Hearings).

(b) DFPS sends a student written notice when denied the right to participate in the ETV Program, or when benefits are to be suspended or terminated after the student has been determined eligible. The written notice must state the specific reason(s) for denial, suspension, or termination and must inform the student of the right to make a written request, within 90 days of receipt of the notice, to appeal the decision in a fair hearing.

Source Note: The provisions of this §700.1625 adopted to be effective December 1, 2005, 30 TexReg 7487

RULE §700.1701 Definition, Terminology, Purposes, and Restrictions

(a) Definition. Purchased protective services are child protective services provided by outside parties under contract with the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (TDPRS). All purchased protective services are subject to the policies for protective services to families and children set forth in this chapter.

(b) Terminology. Throughout this chapter, services provided under contracts with outside parties are referred to as purchased services. The parties that provide purchased services are referred to as contractors.

(c) Purposes. TDPRS purchases protective services to:

(1) provide clients with protective services that would not be available otherwise; and

(2) support and expand the capacity of the Office of Protective Services for Families and Children to serve the community.

(d) Restrictions. No one may provide purchased protective services on behalf of TDPRS without a written contract. No TDPRS staff member may negotiate with or make commitments to a prospective or current contractor for purchased protective services without the involvement and approval of staff specifically authorized to approve contracts for such services.

Source Note: The provisions of this §700.1701 adopted to be effective December 1, 1994, 19 TexReg 8692.