PAL Training
The BCFS PAL staff offer an integrative 36 hour life skills training that combines fun and experiential learning to engage youth and prepare them for the challenges they’ll face in their transition to independent living. The classes offered are Personal/Interpersonal Skills, Health & Safety, Money Management, Housing & Transportation, Job Skills and Planning for the Future. PAL classes are mandatory for youth aging out of care and are conducted all year throughout the region. BCFS is the CPS contractor for Preparation for Adult Living training for region 8 which includes San Antonio and 28 surrounding counties.
PAL Youth Group
PAL Youth Groups offer young adults the chance to connect with other youth in care. The youth group works with various community resources to offer leadership, understanding, empowerment, and support.
Monthly Post-PAL Meetings
Post-PAL meetings provide information on community resources available to youth who have graduated from the PAL program. Youth graduate from the PAL program when they’re no longer in-care when they turn 18 years old, unless they seek an extension. After graduation from PAL, they can still receive general case management through the program.
Annual Independence Day Conference in San Antonio
The Annual Independence Day Conference is held for all youth in and out of care, foster parents, and case workers. The event provides information and boosts awareness about changes in benefits, community resources and new legislation. The following community partners help make this event possible:
- Alamo Colleges
- University of Texas at San Antonio
- Alamo WorkSource
- San Antonio Food Bank
- George Gervin
- Connections Transitional Living Program (New Braunfels, TX)
- Roy Mass Youth Alternatives,
- Turning Point Transitional Living Program
- Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
- Seton Home
- DARS
- City of San Antonio
- Salvation Army Transitional Living Programs
- St. Mary’s University
- Our Lady of the Lake University
- US Army-Fayetteville State University
