Youth Transition Centers
A true trailblazer in social services, BCFS Health and Human Services developed the transition center model. Transition Centers are “one-stop shops” that offer case management, counseling, sheltering, and life skills training to at-risk young adults. Each transition center houses and partners with government and community organizations to ensure comprehensive, yet non-duplicated, services that help youth become independent and law-abiding adults. These centers are a resource to thousands of youth aging out of the foster care system or returning home from juvenile justice institutions.
Preparation for Adult Living (PAL)
The PAL program provides services to youth aging out of the foster care system to expand their skills and knowledge; strengthen their self-confidence; create healthy community relationships, and ultimately learn self-guidance. PAL provides transition services to foster youth and alumni from ages 15 1/2 to 21 in order to better prepare young adults for emancipation.
Our House: BCFS Health and Human Services-Kerrville
Our House transitional apartments operated by BCFS Health and Human Services-Kerrville offer affordable and supportive housing units for young adults ages 18-25. The apartments are for young adults transitioning into self-sufficiency and those struggling with homelessness. The facility offers affordable one-bedroom units in a drug- and alcohol-free environment. All tenants are provided case management, counseling, employment and educational services while living at the apartments. Currently, the apartment facility includes eight 1-bedroom units. An adult supervises the apartments and manages the property. Our House has helped dozens of local young adults transition into self-sufficiency.
Our House: BCFS Health and Human Services-Abilene
Our House is a residential facility that provides transitional sheltering for young adults who are struggling with homelessness. All tenants are provided with case management, counseling, employment and educational services while living in the facility.
Family and Youth Success (FAYS)
The Family and Youth Success (FAYS) program aims to reduce family conflict and prevent the problems of delinquent behaviors, runaway, truancy and child abuse by helping youths and their families learn to resolve crises and develop coping and parenting skills.
Texas Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program
The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program allows Texas to help current and former foster youth and young adults, youth adopted at age 16, and youth that enter Permanency Care Assistance at age 16 to make a smoother transition to a successful adulthood by providing funding and supports to help youth and young adults achieve their educational goals.
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
Texas Workforce Commission assists former and current foster youth ages 16-25 receive their GED. Upon completion, a Workforce Advocate and Case Manager then help the youth, polish resume, obtain proper interview attire and apply for jobs ensuring all youths succeed in the working field.
Human Trafficking Interdiction (HTI)
BCFS Health and Human Services provides services for youth who have been victims of human trafficking and sex trafficking through its Common Thread program. The Common Thread advocacy team is comprised of social workers and survivors who are based throughout Texas. The program is evidence-based and survivor-informed, operating with the understanding that long-term, dependable, and positive adult relationships are the key to recovery.
Resiliency Through Healing
Resiliency Through Healing (RTH) helps young adults 18 to 25 transition towards stable and independent lifestyle through free counseling and case management services. Qualifying participants have experienced some form of trauma, abuse or neglect before the age of 18.
RGV Protects
RGV Protects addresses violence against children in the lower Rio Grande Valley (RGV) area of Texas, where some children are victims of maltreatment, gang or gun-related violence, sexual assault, intimate partner violence and sex trafficking. Due to fear of self-reporting from survivors and limited services, it has been difficult to identify help for those who need it most. RGV Protects is a vital step in closing this gap in services.
Community Youth Development (CYD)
BCFS Health and Human Services-Abilene operates the Community Youth Development (CYD) program. CYD aims to encourage youth to build developmental assets and skills that lead to stronger connections, increased engagement and a more significant contribution to their community.
CYD serves youth 6 to 17 in ZIP codes 79601 and 79603.
CYD offers mentoring, youth leadership development curriculum, a youth advisory committee and services that prepare students for life after high school.
