Welcome!
Hello, young people! Below are some great contacts to help answer questions and resolve issues:
FosterClub has a dedicated team of folks to help you find what you need in Texas. Call them at 503-717-1552 or email them here. They can help you find resources to help you transition to adulthood and connect you to leadership opportunities.
For problems or complaints, contact Texas's Ombudsman, at 1-512-239-4000.
Healthcare for Former Foster Youth (FFY).
Did you know that former foster youth have access to free Medicaid after they turn 18 until their 26th birthday? Qualification for FFY to access Medicaid is not dependant on employment or education status. Check out the #Healthcare FFY campaign for more information about this program!For application assistance, call the Texas Foster Youth Justice Project at 1-877-313-3688.
Texas does not have a foster-specific application.
Instead, you should have been automatically enrolled in Medicaid til 26 when you aged out of the system.
If you aged out before the ACA went into effect or were not auto-enrolled for some other reason, you will need to complete a general Medicaid application to begin receiving coverage. Check out the “How can I apply?” section for more information!
Texas does not have auto-coverage renewal.
This means that you will need to recertify your information annually in order to continue receiving coverage. 3-4 months before your health care benefits are set to expire, you should receive a reminder in the mail. This mailer will include instructions about how to renew your coverage online. If you do not renew your coverage online, your coverage will be terminated. Be sure to be on the lookout for this mailer! Keep your address updated with your state Medicaid office!Yes! Texas has auto-enrollment.
This means that, if you aged out of foster care in Texas, you do not need to complete a new application before you are able to receive health care coverage.Texas does not provide coverage to relocators.
This means that, if you were in care in another state and then moved to Texas, you would not be eligible for Medicaid til 26. You may still be able to get health insurance through…- Your employer
- Your school
- Medicaid if you are eligible based on another category. This includes if you are pregnant or a parent or if you qualify based on your income. Check your state’s website for more information.
- Free or low-cost insurance from your state's Affordable Care Act marketplace.
BLOGS
Cassidy Mack
By KaylaM — Feb 2, 2018
Cassidy spent her early years in the Texas foster care system (over 2,000 days in care!). At age 6, she was adopted by Jenn McKown. She started doing Musical Theater at a young age but after meeting Ryan Gosling, she decided she was interested in... Read more
Ernesto's Story
By FCJessica — Apr 6, 2015
Hello, my name is Ernesto. I’m 24 years of age, and I am a gay man who was in foster care for six years. In 2003, my little brother and I were put into the foster care system and placed in a shelter - I was 13 years old. I was scared where I was at, the guys were mean and called me names. I guess this wasn’t anything new, others had called me “GAY”, “FAGGOT” or “QUEER” before. The fear of being different or singled out kept me from coming out. I knew I was gay at a young age of about five. I liked boys, but people didn’t accept that. I knew you got bullied for it. This kept me in the closet throughout my time in foster care. I didn’t talk to anyone other than my little brother while at the shelter. After three months of being there, we were moved to a foster home in San Antonio. Read more
RESOURCES
Foster Care Advocacy Center - Texas
Visit WebsiteUnder Texas law, when a child is removed by Child Protective Services from his or her parents' home, the child and any indigent parents are entitled to court-appointed representation. One of the primary functions of the Foster Care Advocacy Center is to accept court appointments... Read more
Texas - THRU Project
Visit WebsiteAccording to your likes/dislikes, THRU Project can match & pair you with a volunteer mentor. They will provide a listening ear and a support system for you. We can help a bus pass to help with transportation We can provide a cell phone and service... Read more
Texas: Rights of Children and Youth in Foster Care
Visit WebsiteThe Texas DFPS website above provides a list to inform foster children of their rights within the child welfare system.Read more
Texas: Housing Option For Young Adults With Lived Foster Care Experience.
Visit Website10460 Supervised Independent Living (SIL) 10461 Overview and Purpose of SIL CPS October 2020 Supervised independent living (SIL) settings are living arrangements offered through the Extended Foster Care program. They allow young adults to reside in a less-restrictive, non-traditional foster care setting while he or... Read more
Medical and Mental Health Services in Texas
Visit WebsiteTexas Health and Human Services provide a broad range of services to cover mental and physical health services to eligible people across Texas. Services range from: Clinics and Health Organizations (such as nursing homes, elderly care, disability care, pharmacies, and other options) Foster Care Specific... Read more