DFPS established the Career Development and Education Program in 2018 in collaboration with a workgroup comprised of community partners such as the Texas Education Agency in addition to local workforce development boards, foster care transition centers, community and technical colleges, schools and other workforce industry resources.

The workgroup determined that Texas provided many resources related to career and education to support youth and young adults currently or formerly in foster care, but identified the need to compile and maintain these resources on the DFPS website.

DFPS Resources

Workgroup Resources

The Texas Education Agency (TEA)

Foster Care and Education Resources

Additional Resources

Resources for Achieving a High School Diploma or Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency

Organization Type of Services
American Youth Policy Forum (AYPF) Training, Resource, referrals on improving outcomes, student behaviors
ARCIL - A Resource Center for Independent Living Transition Services, work skill classes, training, housing
College for All Texans Planning and resource information about attending a post- secondary institution of higher learning starting in high school
Disability Scoop Nat’l Developmental Disability site for referrals, local programs, training
Goodwill Industries International GED, ESL, Basic Skills, Transition programs
Partners Resource Network Operates Texas statewide network of Parent Training and Information Centers, for children with disabilities
Texas Head Start, State Collaboration Office (THSSSO) Provides Early Childhood Ed and daycare for foster children ages 0-5.  Works with parents to complete high school requirements
Texas Project First TEA project for parents and families of children with disabilities for information, resource, referrals
UT Austin - Meadows Center for Building RTI Capacity for Implementation in Texas Schools Response to Intervention (RTI), training, resource to identify learning barriers, resources, training & referrals for foster student population

Resources for Career Guidance

Organization Type of Services
Career One Stop Apprenticeship finder
Disability Rights Texas Federally designated legal protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities in Texas.
Goodwill Industries International Job readiness, employment skill training; community partnerships
National Career Development Association Resources re: best practices in career development for former foster youth
Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law, Child Advocacy Clinic Education Symposiums; Resources, Training for youth in foster care
Texas Parent2Parent support, information, and education to families of children of all ages who have disabilities or chronic illness

Resources for Obtaining Industry Certifications and Apprenticeships

Organization Type of Services
United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America: Texas Carpenters & Millwrights Training Trust Fund apprenticeships
United Association of Journeymen & Apprentices of the Plumbing & Pipefitting Industry of the U.S. & Canada:  Piping & Welding Apprenticeship School apprenticeships