Tex. Fam. Code Section 264.121
Transitional Living Services Program


(a)

The department shall address the unique challenges facing foster children in the conservatorship of the department who must transition to independent living by:

(1)

expanding efforts to improve transition planning and increasing the availability of transitional family group decision-making to all youth age 14 or older in the department’s permanent managing conservatorship, including enrolling the youth in the Preparation for Adult Living Program before the age of 16;

(2)

coordinating with the commission to obtain authority, to the extent allowed by federal law, the state Medicaid plan, the Title IV-E state plan, and any waiver or amendment to either plan, necessary to:

(A)

extend foster care eligibility and transition services for youth up to age 21 and develop policy to permit eligible youth to return to foster care as necessary to achieve the goals of the Transitional Living Services Program; and

(B)

extend Medicaid coverage for foster care youth and former foster care youth up to age 21 with a single application at the time the youth leaves foster care;

(3)

entering into cooperative agreements with the Texas Workforce Commission and local workforce development boards to further the objectives of the Preparation for Adult Living Program. The department, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the local workforce development boards shall ensure that services are prioritized and targeted to meet the needs of foster care and former foster care children and that such services will include, where feasible, referrals for short-term stays for youth needing housing;

(4)

addressing barriers to participation in the Preparation for Adult Living Program for a youth who has a disability by making appropriate accommodations that allow the youth to meaningfully participate in the program; and

(5)

documenting in the youth’s case file any accommodations made under Subdivision (4).

(a-1)

The department shall require a foster care provider to provide or assist youth who are age 14 or older in obtaining experiential life-skills training to improve their transition to independent living. Experiential life-skills training must be tailored to a youth’s skills and abilities and must include training in practical activities that include grocery shopping, meal preparation and cooking, performing basic household tasks, and, when appropriate, using public transportation.

(a-2)

The experiential life-skills training under Subsection (a-1) must include:

(1)

a financial literacy education program developed in collaboration with the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner and the State Securities Board that:

(A)

includes instruction on:
(i)
obtaining and interpreting a credit score;
(ii)
protecting, repairing, and improving a credit score;
(iii)
avoiding predatory lending practices;
(iv)
saving money and accomplishing financial goals through prudent financial management practices;
(v)
using basic banking and accounting skills, including balancing a checkbook;
(vi)
using debit and credit cards responsibly;
(vii)
understanding a paycheck and items withheld from a paycheck;
(viii)
understanding the time requirements and process for filing federal taxes;
(ix)
protecting financial, credit, and personally identifying information in personal and professional relationships and online;
(x)
forms of identity and credit theft; and
(xi)
using insurance to protect against the risk of financial loss; and

(B)

assists a youth who has a source of income to:
(i)
establish a savings plan and, if available, a savings account that the youth can independently manage; and
(ii)
prepare a monthly budget that includes the following expenses:
(a)
rent based on the monthly rent for an apartment advertised for lease during the preceding month;
(b)
utilities based on a reasonable utility bill in the area in which the youth resides;
(c)
telephone service based on a reasonable bill for telephone service in the area in which the youth resides;
(d)
Internet service based on a reasonable bill for Internet service in the area in which the youth resides; and
(e)
other reasonable monthly expenses; and

(2)

for youth who are 17 years of age or older, lessons related to:

(A)

insurance, including applying for and obtaining automobile insurance and residential property insurance, including tenants insurance;

(B)

civic engagement, including the process for registering to vote, the places to vote, and resources for information regarding upcoming elections; and

(C)

the documents the youth is required to receive under Subsection (e-1) prior to being discharged from foster care and how those documents may be used.

(a-3)

The department shall conduct an independent living skills assessment for all youth in the department’s conservatorship who are 16 years of age or older.

(a-4)

The department shall conduct an independent living skills assessment for all youth in the department’s permanent managing conservatorship who are at least 14 years of age but younger than 16 years of age.

(a-5)

The department shall annually update the assessment for each youth assessed under Subsections (a-3) and (a-4) to determine the independent living skills the youth learned during the preceding year to ensure that the department’s obligation to prepare the youth for independent living has been met. The department shall conduct the annual update through the youth’s plan of service in coordination with the youth, the youth’s caseworker, the staff of the Preparation for Adult Living Program, and the youth’s caregiver.

(a-7)

The department shall ensure that before a youth leaves foster care, each youth who is 14 years of age or older has an e-mail address through which the youth may receive encrypted copies of personal documents and records.

(b)

In this section:

(1)

“Local workforce development board” means a local workforce development board created under Chapter 2308 (Workforce Investment Act), Government Code.

(2)

“Preparation for Adult Living Program” means a program administered by the department as a component of the Transitional Living Services Program and includes independent living skills assessment, short-term financial assistance, basic self-help skills, and life-skills development and training regarding money management, health and wellness, job skills, planning for the future, housing and transportation, and interpersonal skills.

(3)

“Transitional Living Services Program” means a program, administered by the department in accordance with department rules and state and federal law, for youth who are age 14 or older but not more than 21 years of age and are currently or were formerly in foster care, that assists youth in transitioning from foster care to independent living. The program provides transitional living services, Preparation for Adult Living Program services, and Education and Training Voucher Program services.

(c)

At the time a child enters the Preparation for Adult Living Program, the department shall provide an information booklet to the child and the foster parent describing the program and the benefits available to the child, including extended Medicaid coverage until age 21, priority status with the Texas Workforce Commission, and the exemption from the payment of tuition and fees at institutions of higher education as defined by Section 61.003 (Definitions), Education Code. The information booklet provided to the child and the foster parent shall be provided in the primary language spoken by that individual.

(d)

The department shall allow a youth who is at least 18 years of age to receive transitional living services, other than foster care benefits, while residing with a person who was previously designated as a perpetrator of abuse or neglect if the department determines that despite the person’s prior history the person does not pose a threat to the health and safety of the youth.

(e)

The department shall ensure that each youth acquires a copy and a certified copy of the youth’s birth certificate, a social security card or replacement social security card, as appropriate, and a personal identification certificate under Chapter 521 (Driver’s Licenses and Certificates), Transportation Code, on or before the date on which the youth turns 16 years of age. The department shall designate one or more employees in the Preparation for Adult Living Program as the contact person to assist a youth who has not been able to obtain the documents described by this subsection in a timely manner from the youth’s primary caseworker. The department shall ensure that:

(1)

all youth who are age 16 or older are provided with the contact information for the designated employees; and

(2)

a youth who misplaces a document provided under this subsection receives assistance in obtaining a replacement document or information on how to obtain a duplicate copy, as appropriate.

(e-1)

If, at the time a youth is discharged from foster care, the youth is at least 18 years of age or has had the disabilities of minority removed, the department shall provide to the youth, not later than the 30th day before the date the youth is discharged from foster care, the following information and documents unless the youth already has the information or document:

(1)

the youth’s birth certificate;

(2)

the youth’s immunization records;

(3)

the information contained in the youth’s health passport;

(4)

a personal identification certificate under Chapter 521 (Driver’s Licenses and Certificates), Transportation Code;

(5)

a social security card or a replacement social security card, if appropriate; and

(6)

a Medicaid card or other proof of the youth’s enrollment in Medicaid or an insurance card from a health plan that provides health coverage to foster youth.

(e-2)

When providing a youth with a document required by Subsection (e-1), the department shall provide the youth with a copy and a certified copy of the document or with the original document, as applicable.

(e-3)

When obtaining a copy of a birth certificate to provide to a foster youth or assisting a foster youth in obtaining a copy of a birth certificate, the department shall obtain the birth certificate from the state registrar. If the department is unable to obtain the birth certificate from the state registrar, the department may obtain the birth certificate from a local registrar or county clerk.

(e-4)

The youth’s caseworker shall:

(1)

assist the youth with developing a plan for keeping the documents described by Subsection (e) in a safe place; and

(2)

inform the youth about the documents the youth is required to receive before the date the youth is discharged from foster care.

(f)

The department shall require a person with whom the department contracts for transitional living services for foster youth to provide or assist youth in obtaining:

(1)

housing services;

(2)

job training and employment services;

(3)

college preparation services;

(4)

services that will assist youth in obtaining a general education development certificate;

(5)

services that will assist youth in developing skills in food preparation;

(6)

nutrition education that promotes healthy food choices;

(7)

a savings or checking account if the youth is at least 18 years of age and has a source of income;

(8)

mental health services;

(9)

financial literacy education and civic engagement lessons required under Subsection (a-2); and

(10)

any other appropriate transitional living service identified by the department.

(g)

For a youth taking prescription medication, the department shall ensure that the youth’s transition plan includes provisions to assist the youth in managing the use of the medication and in managing the child’s long-term physical and mental health needs after leaving foster care, including:

(1)

provisions that inform the youth about:

(A)

the use of the medication;

(B)

the resources that are available to assist the youth in managing the use of the medication; and

(C)

informed consent and the provision of medical care in accordance with Section 266.010(l); and

(2)

for each youth who is 17 years of age or older and preparing to leave foster care, a program supervised by a health care professional to assist the youth with independently managing the youth’s medication.

(h)

An entity with which the department contracts for transitional living services for foster youth shall, when appropriate, partner with a community-based organization to assist the entity in providing the transitional living services.

(i)

The department shall ensure that the transition plan for each youth 16 years of age or older includes provisions to assist the youth in managing the youth’s housing needs after the youth leaves foster care, including provisions that:

(1)

identify the cost of housing in relation to the youth’s sources of income, including any benefits or rental assistance available to the youth;

(2)

if the youth’s housing goals include residing with family or friends, state that the department has addressed the following with the youth:

(A)

the length of time the youth expects to stay in the housing arrangement;

(B)

expectations for the youth regarding paying rent and meeting other household obligations;

(C)

the youth’s psychological and emotional needs, as applicable; and

(D)

any potential conflicts with other household members, or any difficulties connected to the type of housing the youth is seeking, that may arise based on the youth’s psychological and emotional needs;

(3)

inform the youth about emergency shelters and housing resources, including supervised independent living and housing at colleges and universities, such as dormitories;

(4)

require the department to review a common rental application with the youth and ensure that the youth possesses all of the documentation required to obtain rental housing; and

(5)

identify any individuals who are able to serve as cosigners or references on the youth’s applications for housing.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 268 (S.B. 6), Sec. 1.51, eff. September 1, 2005.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1406 (S.B. 758), Sec. 17, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 407 (H.B. 1912), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 407 (H.B. 1912), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 168 (S.B. 1589), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 204 (H.B. 915), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 342 (H.B. 2111), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2013.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 1.194, eff. April 2, 2015.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 81 (S.B. 1117), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 944 (S.B. 206), Sec. 55, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 944 (S.B. 206), Sec. 56, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1236 (S.B. 1296), Sec. 7.004, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1236 (S.B. 1296), Sec. 7.005, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1236 (S.B. 1296), Sec. 21.001(18), eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 937 (S.B. 1758), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 707 (H.B. 53), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1024 (H.B. 123), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 793 (H.B. 700), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.

Source: Section 264.121 — Transitional Living Services Program, https://statutes.­capitol.­texas.­gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.­264.­htm#264.­121 (accessed Jun. 5, 2024).

264.001
Definitions
264.002
Specific Appropriation Required
264.004
Allocation of State Funds
264.005
County Child Welfare Boards
264.006
County Funds
264.008
Child Welfare Service Fund
264.009
Legal Representation of Department
264.010
Child Abuse Plan
264.0011
Reference to Executive Commissioner or Commission
264.011
Local Accounts
264.013
Exchange of Information with Other States
264.015
Training
264.017
Required Reporting
264.018
Required Notifications
264.019
Collection and Reporting of Alcohol and Controlled Substance Statistics
264.0091
Use of Teleconferencing and Videoconferencing Technology
264.101
Foster Care Payments
264.102
County Contracts
264.103
Direct Payments
264.104
Parent or Guardian Liability
264.107
Placement of Children
264.109
Assignment of Support Rights in Substitute Care Cases
264.110
Prospective Foster or Adoptive Parent Statement
264.0111
Money Earned by Child
264.112
Report on Children in Substitute Care
264.113
Foster Parent Recruitment
264.114
Immunity from Liability
264.115
Returning Child to School
264.116
Texas Foster Grandparent Mentors
264.118
Annual Survey
264.120
Discharge Notice
264.0121
Notice to Legislators of Foster Child’s Death
264.121
Transitional Living Services Program
264.122
Court Approval Required for Travel Outside United States by Child in Foster Care
264.123
Reports Concerning Children Who Are Missing or Victims of Sex Trafficking
264.124
Day Care for Foster Child
264.125
Age-appropriate Normalcy Activities
264.128
Single Child Plan of Service Initiative
264.130
Pregnancy and Parenting Information
264.0145
Release of Case Record
264.151
Legislative Intent
264.152
Definitions
264.153
Community-based Care Implementation Plan
264.154
Qualifications of Single Source Continuum Contractor
264.155
Required Contract Provisions
264.156
Readiness Review Process for Community-based Care Contractor
264.157
Expansion of Community-based Care
264.158
Transfer of Case Management Services to Single Source Continuum Contractor
264.159
Data Access and Standards Governance Council
264.160
Liability Insurance Requirements
264.161
Statutory Duties Assumed by Contractor
264.162
Review of Contractor Performance
264.163
Continuing Duties of Department
264.164
Confidentiality
264.165
Notice Required for Early Termination of Contract
264.166
Contingency Plan in Event of Early Contract Termination
264.167
Attorney-client Privilege
264.168
Review of Contractor Recommendations by Department
264.170
Limited Liability for Single Source Continuum Contractor and Related Personnel
264.171
Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Community-based Care Transition
264.172
Office of Community-based Care Transition
264.201
Services by Department
264.202
Standards and Effectiveness
264.203
Required Participation
264.204
Community-based Family Services
264.205
Swift Adoption Teams
264.207
Home Study Required Before Adoption
264.401
Definition
264.402
Establishment of Children’s Advocacy Center
264.403
Interagency Memorandum of Understanding
264.404
Board Representation
264.405
Center Duties
264.406
Multidisciplinary Team
264.407
Liability
264.408
Use of Information and Records
264.409
Administrative Contracts
264.410
Contracts with Children’s Advocacy Centers
264.411
Eligibility for Contracts
264.501
Definitions
264.502
Committee
264.503
Purpose and Duties of Committee and Specified State Agencies
264.504
Meetings of Committee
264.505
Establishment of Review Team
264.506
Purpose and Duties of Review Team
264.507
Duties of Presiding Officer
264.508
Review Procedure
264.509
Access to Information
264.510
Meeting of Review Team
264.511
Use of Information and Records
264.512
Governmental Units
264.513
Report of Death of Child
264.514
Procedure in the Event of Reportable Death
264.515
Investigation
264.601
Definitions
264.602
Contracts with Advocate Programs
264.603
Administrative Contracts
264.604
Eligibility for Contracts
264.605
Contract Form
264.606
Criteria for Award of Contracts
264.607
Contract Requirements
264.608
Report to the Legislature
264.609
Rule-making Authority
264.610
Confidentiality
264.611
Consultations
264.612
Funding
264.613
Use of Information and Records
264.614
Internet Application for Case Tracking and Information Management System
264.751
Definitions
264.752
Relative and Other Designated Caregiver Placement Program
264.753
Expedited Placement
264.754
Assessment of Proposed Placement
264.755
Caregiver Assistance Agreement
264.756
Assistance with Permanent Placement
264.757
Coordination with Other Agencies
264.758
Funds
264.760
Eligibility for Foster Care Payments and Permanency Care Assistance
264.762
Annual Report
264.851
Definitions
264.852
Permanency Care Assistance Agreements
264.853
Rules
264.854
Maximum Payment Amount
264.856
Appropriation Required
264.901
Definitions
264.902
Parental Child Safety Placement Agreement
264.903
Caregiver Evaluation
264.904
Department Procedures for Closing Case
264.905
Removal of Child by Department
264.906
Placement Preference During Conservatorship
264.907
Inclusions in Reports of Parental Child Safety Placements
264.1015
Liability of Child’s Estate for Foster Care
264.1061
Foster Parent Performance
264.1071
Office Stays Prohibited
264.1072
Educational Stability
264.1073
Treatment Foster Care
264.1075
Assessing Needs of Child
264.1076
Medical Examination Required
264.1078
Luggage for Foster Children
264.1085
Foster Care Placement in Compliance with Federal Law Required
264.1211
Career Development and Education Program
264.1212
Facilitation of Transition to Institution of Higher Education
264.1213
Records and Documents for Children Aging out of Foster Care
264.1214
Housing for Homeless Youth Aging out of Foster Care
264.1215
Pilot Program for Financial Transitional Living Services
264.1261
Foster Care Capacity Needs Plan
264.2011
Enhanced In-home Support Program
264.2015
Family Group Conferencing
264.2031
Selection of Service Provider
264.2032
Report on Court-ordered Participation in Services
264.2041
Cultural Awareness
264.2042
Nonprofit Organizations Providing Child and Family Services
264.2043
Prohibition on Abuse or Neglect Investigation Based Solely on Request for Information
264.2044
Grants for Faith-based Community Collaborative Programs
264.4031
Multidisciplinary Team Working Protocol
264.4061
Multidisciplinary Team Response Required
264.5031
Collection of near Fatality Data
264.5032
Report on Child Fatality and near Fatality Data
264.7541
Caregiver Visit with Child
264.7551
Fraudulent Agreement
264.8521
Notice to Applicants

Accessed:
Jun. 5, 2024

§ 264.121’s source at texas​.gov