Amy Harding – Volunteer Coordinator & Case Supervisor PMC 101 Amy Harding – Volunteer Coordinator & Case Supervisor Judy Houston – Master Volunteer Hill Country CASA

Agenda Introduction to PMC PMC with / without termination PMC-PCA Agreement Adoption Preparation Aging Out of Foster Care

Introduction to PMC What does the acronym PMC stand for? Permanent Managing Conservatorship What does PMC Status mean legally? Judge appoints someone as the children’s legal guardian In cases where the State in granted PMC of the child(ren), CPS makes decisions that a parent would normally make. What age can children be given PMC status? Any age When the Judge determines that the parents rights are going to be terminated, the Judge appoints someone as the children’s legal guardian. In cases where the State in granted PMC of the child(ren), then CPS will make decisions that the child’s parent would normally make.

Introduction

Who is involved? Children Family PMC Caseworker Adoption Prep Caseworker Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Worker Child(ren) Attorney Guardian Ad Litem/ CASA

PMC Tracks PMC to State PMC to Relative/ Non Family PMC to Relative with PCA Adoption

PMC to Relative with PCA What does PCA stand for? Permanency Care Assistance program Financial support to kinship caregivers (such as aunts, uncles, or grandparents) PCA benefits continue until children turn 18 or 21 if the child is 16 years old or older when adopted.

To qualify, caregivers must: Must have approved home study (Fostering Connections) Care for the child as foster parents for at least six months. Negotiate and sign a Permanency Care Agreement. Go to court to get legal custody of the child.

Adoption Must be in the adoptive placement 6 months Can be waived by the Judge 90 days waiting period after termination of Parental Rights Adoption Subsidy

Older Youth in Foster Care Personal Documents Resources and Activities Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Transition Plans Independent Living Extended Foster Care Program Trial Independence Period (TI)

Important Personal Documents for Youth in Foster Care Birth Certificate Social Security Card Texas ID These forms are obtained for the youth at the ages of 16-18.

Important Personal Documents for Youth who Age Out Will receive either a copy or original: Immunization records Health passport Information Proof of enrollment in Medicaid, if appropriate Medical Power of Attorney -Forms 2559 A and B Almost 18 Letter Youth Transition Portfolio

Resources and Activities Peaks Camp Statewide Teen Conference College Weekend Regional Activities: Wilderness trips, mentor programs, support groups, job development, youth forums.

Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Implemented in 1986 Target Population: Youth 16 and older who are likely to age out CPS can serve youth 14 or older with an open case

PAL Services cont. You can qualify for services up to age 21 Independent Living Skills Assessment

PAL Benefits/Financial Assistance Tuition-fee waiver Transitional living allowance Aftercare room and board assistance Case management

Transition Plan Completed at 14 years old Reviewed annually Identifies services: help youth accomplish goals assist them in obtaining permanency ensure successful transition from foster care

At what age can a foster youth consent to receiving medical care? Medical Consent At what age can a foster youth consent to receiving medical care? 16 years old Condition: the court with jurisdiction determines that the youth has the capacity to consent to medical care.

Circle of Support A youth driven process for the purpose of identifying caring adults, review permanency plan, identify strengths, create goals and needs.

Extended Foster Care Program Young adults who aged out of DFPS conservatorship may return at any time up until the age of 21 with the following stipulations:

Is offered an available placement Understand that court jurisdiction will be extended, if the court permits Sign or re-sign a Voluntary Extended Foster Care agreement Agrees to meet one of the criteria described in the Extended Foster Care program within 30 days of being placed.

Trial Independence Period (TI) A young adult in the Extended Foster Care Program may leave foster care for a "trial independence" period of 6 months or up to 12 months with a court order. During the TI period, the young adult may be living independently and receiving other transitional living benefits such as PAL, ETV, and Texas Medicaid.

Extended Court Jurisdiction If a young adult is in Extended Foster Care, court jurisdiction will continue during this period but will not exceed the month of their 21st birthday.

College Resources for Foster Care Students Temporary Housing Assistance between Academic Terms College Foster Care Student Liaisons Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine for Students Entering Post- Secondary Education

College Tuition and Fee Waiver Medicaid for Transitioning Foster Care Youth (MTFCY)

Resources DFPS: www.dfps.state.tx.us PAL and Transitional Living https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Prot ection/Youth_and_Young_Adults/ Texas Youth Connection: https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/txyouth/

QUESTIONS? Hill Country CASA Hccasa@hccasa.org 830-896-2272

PMC 201 and PMC 301 will be available on the Hill Country CASA website www.hccasa.org/pmc-project