What do youth need to successfully transition from foster care to adulthood?
In 2017, Upbring began partnering with the Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing (TXICFW) at The University of Texas at Austin to answer this very question. The ensuing research project, the Texas Youth Permanency Study (TYPS), sought to determine new ways to support youth in the foster care system and provide resources they need to thrive in adulthood.
TYPS found that relational permanency matters far more than legal or physical permanency, which are the current barometers for success in foster care. What’s more, to truly support the wellbeing of youth aging out of foster care, we must combine the presence of authentic caregiver relationships with instrumental support and a sense of normalcy.
In this white paper, released in May 2023, Upbring offers a service provider’s perspective on the TYPS findings, plus broad policy and legislative ideas to turn those insights into action so we can truly break the cycle of child abuse and neglect in Texas.
Download the Full White Paper
How can you help youth successfully transition from foster care to adulthood?
Anyone who has a formal or informal role in a young person’s life, including birth families, foster families, adoptive families, caseworkers, mental health professionals, and judges, can provide the authentic relationships youth need to succeed after leaving foster care.
TYPS Briefs
Download Foster Parents Brief
This “TYPS sheet” highlights recommendations for Foster Parents from youth based on their experiences in care. Released April 2019.
Download Judges Brief
This “TYPS sheet” highlights recommendations for Judges from youth based on their experiences in care. Released March 2019.
Download Caseworkers Brief
This “TYPS sheet” highlights recommendations for Caseworkers from youth based on their experiences in care. Released February 2019.
Download Birth Families Brief
This “TYPS sheet” highlights recommendations for birth families from youth based on their experiences in care. Released January 2019.
Download Institution Brief
This “TYPS sheet” highlights recommendations for institutions from youth based on their experiences in care. Released December 2018.
Download Adoptive Parents Brief
This “TYPS sheet” highlights recommendations for adoptive parents from youth based on their experiences in care. Released November 2018.
Download Mental Health Professional Brief
This “TYPS sheet” highlights recommendations for mental health professionals from youth based on their experiences in care. Released September 2018.
Endorsing Organizations
Austin Community College
Azleway
Child Crisis Center of El Paso
Children’s Defense Fund-Texas
The Children’s Shelter
Covenant Kids Family Services
DePelchin Children’s Center
Goodwill Central Texas
National Association of Social Workers, Texas Chapter
National Foster Parent Association
One Voice Texas
Phoenix House
Texans Care for Children
Texas CASA
Texas Network of Youth Services
TexProtects
United Ways of Texas
YMCA of Austin