Building Your Dream Team: Who To Reach Out To Before & After Aging Out of the Foster Care System

As you prepare to age out of the foster care system, one of the most important things you can do is create a strong support network—your “dream team.”

This team of trusted adults and resources is dedicated to helping you successfully transition into adulthood.

You might be feeling ready to embrace your newfound freedom and leave behind the rules and systems that have shaped your life. Many students aging out of foster care prefer to keep their past private, and that’s perfectly okay and possible to do. However, not seeking help because you are “done with the system” can mean you are missing out on valuable opportunities.

Let’s change that. Here’s a practical list on who could be a part of your support team and how leverage the resources available to you—discreetly, effectively, and with confidence.

Key Members of Your Dream Team

1. Your PAL (Preparing for Adult Living) Worker

Your PAL worker is one of the most important people in your transition. They’re your go-to person for accessing resources as you age out of foster care and need assistance with everything from financial aid to life skills.

Why PAL Training Matters:

• PAL Training Program: Completing the six-week PAL program is essential. Upon finishing, you’ll receive $1,000, plus access to additional resources such as $3,000 for expenses like a phone, utilities, and dorm essentials.

• Connections to Professionals: PAL training connects you to a network of professionals who can guide you on your path to success, such as the Workforce Development Specialist assigned to you. 

  
  

2. Your CPS Caseworker

Your CPS (Child Protective Services) Caseworker serves as your guardian while you’re in care. They’re also key in helping you gather critical documents before you leave the system. You’ll need these documents as you start your adult life.

Important Documents:

• Birth certificate

• Social Security card

• Medical records and vaccine history

• School transcripts

• Medicaid/insurance card

• Passport or visa (if applicable)

3. Your Foster Parents

If you have a strong relationship with your foster parents, consider asking if they will support you through extended care. This can provide stability and allow you to remain in their home while maintaining more independence as an adult.

Why it Matters: Stability during your transition is crucial. Having a safe and consistent place to stay makes it much easier to set up housing, school, or work opportunities.

4. Your Educational Specialist

An educational specialist can help you navigate the education and training landscape after leaving foster care. They assist with enrolling in school, completing applications like FAFSA, and identifying programs or certifications that align with your career goals.

5. Your Workforce Development Specialist

A workforce development specialist plays a key role in helping you transition into employment. This person works with you to find job opportunities, apprenticeships, and internships that match your skills and interests.

How They Help:

• Finding employment programs or apprenticeships that offer hands-on experience.

• Preparing you for job applications, resumes, and interviews.

• Connecting you to programs that teach specific job skills or certifications.

If you’re unsure of what career path to take, your workforce development specialist can help you explore options and even provide resources for training or development.

6. Your Housing Specialist

If dorm living isn’t the right fit for you, a housing specialist can guide you in securing affordable housing. They can help you find housing options through federal programs designed specifically for foster youth.

Tip: Housing may take some time to secure, but a housing specialist will work with you to ensure you have a stable place to live as you transition to adulthood.

7. Your Transition Coach

A transition coach (like me!) is a volunteer or professional mentor who can guide you through your journey from high school to post-secondary education or training programs. Coaches provide mentorship and practical advice to help you navigate life after foster care.

8. Your Attorney Ad Litem

Every foster youth is assigned an attorney ad litem to advocate for their rights in legal matters. They ensure that your needs are met during your time in foster care.

• How to Find Your Attorney:

  • Ask your caseworker or foster parent.

  • Search for their contact information via the State Bar of Texas website.

  • Call 713-394-4000 (Texas) with your name and date of birth to get your caseworker or attorney’s contact info.

    
    

9. Your Judge

If possible, maintain communication with your judge, especially through Circle of Support meetings. Judges can help move stalled processes forward, such as obtaining medical records or birth certificates. They may also authorize additional support like orthodontic care.

10. Medical Insurance Contact

In Texas, STAR Health administers medical, dental, and vision insurance for foster youth up until age 25. Your transition center worker can assist with managing this, or you can call STAR Health directly for help.

11. Your Pastor, Minister, or Campus Ministry

Consider connecting with a local ministry or campus group for spiritual and emotional support. Having someone to pray with or seek guidance from can make a big difference as you transition into adulthood.

Final Thoughts

Remember, no one needs to know you’ve been in foster care unless you choose to share it. While financial aid officers and school counselors may need to know for practical reasons, beyond that, your story is yours to tell—or not.

Your dream team supports you discreetly, helping you transition smoothly into adulthood. These resources exist to empower you—so take advantage of them!