Youth Resources
While in foster care, young people have basic rights that protect their general well-being, including medical and dental care, public education, participation in religious services, and joining extra-curricular activities.
What happens when children turn 18 and depart the foster care system, its protection, and its support? It is essential that children growing up outside their biological homes have the skills, opportunities, and resources they need to be industrious, healthy adults.
OCOK’s Preparation for Adult Living program (PAL) representatives work closely with older teens to increase their self-esteem and improve their ability to make conscientious decisions.
If you are 16 years or older, reach out to meet with a PAL representative that will help you prepare for life after foster care.
For more information about or to participate in the PAL program, contact Teddy at palreferral@oc-ok.org.
To view all upcoming PAL events, please view the events calendar and email palreferral@oc-ok.org for more information.
Supervised Independent Living Programs
Supervised Independent Living (SIL) programs help young people that have aged out of the foster care system navigate the ups and downs of adulthood. The programs are available throughout Texas.
SIL differs from foster care in many ways, including:
- Participants receive a stipend for non-housing costs (e.g., food, transportation, phone bill, hygiene products)
- There are limited or no curfews
- Participants are responsible for their own transportation
- Participants are their own medical consenters
- Participants won’t always have 24-hour supervision
- There are no restrictions on who participants can or cannot visit
- Participants purchase food and cook their own meals
Targeting young adults—ages 18 to 22—the goal of SIL programs is to provide a temporary safety net and a strong emotional support system as older teens transition into self-sufficiency—to become responsible adults and to understand the responsibilities that come with maturity.
For more information about the Supervised Independent Living program, contact Teddy at palreferral@oc-ok.org.
Youth Mentors
Unfaulted is a 3-year program for young women who are ready to grow, heal, and build a bright future. If you’re a young woman who has aged out of foster care or is at risk of doing so—and you’re looking for community, support, and practical tools for adulthood—you may be a great fit for our program.
Unfaulted – Tarrant County
682.730.2008
Texas Youth Resources
Following is partial list of additional resources available to foster youth and alumni in Texas.
TRAC (Transition Resource Action Center)
Dallas and Fort Worth, TX 214-370-9300
Plano, TX (Collin County) 972.358.4732
Garland, TX (Dallas County) 972-303-5303
The Ebby House at Juliette Fowler Communities
Dallas, TX 214.827.0813
Dallas, TX 214.520.6268