PAL In-Care Services

• Life Skills Assessments (Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessments)
• Independent Living Case Planning
• Life Skills Training
• Support Services
• Annual Events/Activities
• Transitional Living Allowance

Life Skills Assessments

The Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessments are administered to youth and their primary caregiver twice (age 15 ½ - 16 and Ages 17 – 18) to assist in development of an Independent Living Plan.  The assigned PAL case manager works with the substitute care worker, youth, and foster family to prepare the youth for self-sufficiency.

Life Skills Training

• Personal and Interpersonal Skills
• Job Skills
• Housing and Transportation
• Health
• Planning for the Future
• Money Management

Support Services

• Vocational Assessment and/or Training
• GED Classes/Preparation for College Entrance Exams
• Drivers Education
• Tutoring
• High School Graduation Expenses (if funding is available)
• Counseling
• Volunteer Mentoring to Provide Guidance and Support
  

Annual Events / Activities

• PEAKS Camp – Statewide Teen Conference
• College Tours
• Statewide Youth Leadership Committee
  Houston – A.I.M. (Alumni Impacting Many)
• Regional Teen Conference

Transitional Living Allowance

Youth who fully participate in the PAL Program are eligible to receive a transitional living allowance as they exit care.  The allowance may not exceed $1,000.  Designed to help youth with expenses related to obtaining their own living arrangement.

PAL Aftercare Services

• Tuition and Fee Waiver
• Educational/Training Vouchers
• College Partnerships
• Case Planning/Management
• Aftercare Room and Board Assistance
• Transitional Medicaid
  

Tuition and Fee Waiver

For youth who were in substitute care under the conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services on or after their 18th birthday, may attend state supported vocational schools, colleges, universities with tuition and fee waived.

Educational/Training Vouchers

Youth may be eligible to receive assistance with expenses directly related to their pursuit of a higher education, up to $5,000 per youth per year.

Aftercare Room and Board Assistance

Youth (age 18-21) may receive assistance with transportation (Metro passes), Food, Household Items, and financial assistance for room and board.  Funds are limited based on State funding.