Frequently Asked Questions
On campus, liaisons coordinate interactions between:
- Foster care alumni; and
- College and University professionals who serve the specific needs of foster care alumni (ex: financial aid, housing).
Outside campus, liaisons collaborate with:
- Higher education professionals interested in networking with foster care alumni across campuses; and
- Foster care liaisons at local independent school districts or charter schools, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), and/or the Texas Education Agency (TEA)
- Child welfare stakeholders, including Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).
This is a state law that exempts or waives payment of tuition and fees at state-supported colleges or universities for foster youth currently or formerly in the conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and for those adopted from DFPS.
The Education Training Voucher (ETV) Program was designed as a federally-funded, state-administered initiative to provide funding and support for post-secondary education.
Eligible students may receive grants of up to $5,000 per year for up to five years or until their 23rd birthday. ETV funds can be combined with other grants or scholarships to minimize or eliminate the need for student loans.
Former Foster Care Children’s program (FFCC) is a type of free Medicaid insurance available to former foster youth up to the age of 26. You can qualify for the FFCC Medicaid Insurance if:
- You are under the age of 26 – coverage goes until the end of the month of your 26th birthday.
- You were in the conservatorship of the Texas’ CPS Texas on your 18th birthday. (Conservatorship means that there is a court order saying Texas’ CPS is in charge of you).
- You were receiving foster youth Medicaid when you turned 18.
- You are a US citizen or, if you are under the age of 21 and not a citizen, you are a legal permanent resident (green card holder) or any other specified immigrant categories.
- You currently live in Texas.
There are additional health benefits for which you may be eligible. The Texas Foster Youth Justice Project's "A Guide For Those 'Aging Out' of Foster Care In Texas" has compiled information about health insurance and other public benefits that can help you.
Talk with your caseworker and attorney about your immigration status. If you are undocumented, currently in foster care, under 21 years of age, and unmarried, you may be eligible to pursue becoming a lawful permanent resident by gaining Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
All youth, whether in foster care or out, and whether over 18 or not, can receive assistance from the Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) workers with:
- Obtaining a Tuition Waiver letter;
- Providing information about applying for the Education Training Voucher (ETV) program; and
- Assisting to apply for college or other educational options and applying for financial aid.
Additional Services that are available to foster youth based on need and funding availability:
- Vocational assessments and/or training,
- GED classes,
- Preparation for college entrance exams,
- Driver education,
- High school graduation expenses,
- Identification documents,
- Counseling, and
- Volunteer mentoring programs
(Sources: Texas Foster Youth Justice Project, Texas Higher Education Foster Care Liaison Information and Reference Guide)