Additional Foster Youth Resources
Get Help
Your Texas Benefits
Learn and apply for benefits that you might be eligible for:
- WIC Food Benefits
- SNAP Food Benefits
- TANF Cash Help
- Health Care
- Support Services
Texas Foster Care Handbook
The following resource is presented in a PDF document. Click below to open and download the handbook.
Emergency Hotlines
Foster Youth Justice:
1 (877) 313-3688
Hunger Hotline:
1 (866) 348-6479
or 1 (877) 842-6273 for Spanish
Crisis Textline:
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor
Get Tested For COVID-19
Think you have symptoms of COVID-19? Order at at-home test kit, or find your nearest testing location.
Education
Youth Action Council
- Engage in advocacy and action to improve education and life outcomes
- Collaborate with youth leaders and be a catalyst for lasting change
- Leadership opportunities
CLIMB
- Develop skills to prepare you for success
- Engage virtually with staff at UTSA, TAMUSA, and Alamo Colleges District
- Earn up to $1,000 of Microscholarships
BCFES College, University Programs, & Application Deadlines
The following resource is presented in a PDF document. Click below to open and download the file.
College Admission 101
View resources and information on foster care to boards, transition centers, and other partners who are helping youth in or formerly in foster care achieve and sustain economic prosperity.
Texas Foster Care Handbook
The following resource is presented in a PDF document. Click below to open and download the handbook.
Work
Your Texas Benefits
View resources and information on foster care to boards, transition centers, and other partners who are helping youth in or formerly in foster care achieve and sustain economic prosperity.
Alamo Colleges Career Coach
- Career Assessment
- Browse Careers
- Browse Education/Training Programs
- Easy Resume Builder
Housing
TSA Supervised
Independent Living (SIL)
SIL provides housing and meals for students in extended foster care living on-campus at UTSA.
The following resource is presented in a PDF document. Click below to open and download the guide.
TAMUSA Supervised
Independent Living (SIL)
SIL provides housing and meals for students in extended foster care living on-campus at TAMUSA.
Health
Insurance
Star Health is for young adults in foster care and kinship care.
Services include:
- Primary and Specialty Physicians
- Vision and Dental
- Hospital Care
- Telehealth
- Transportation to Appointments
Helpful Phone Numbers
Superior Health Plan Member Services: 866-912-6283
Health Passport:
866-714-7996
24-hour Nurse Advice Line:
844-590-4883
Medical Transportation:
877-633-8747
Telehealth:
800-835-2362
Dental: 888-308-4766
Vision: 866-642-8959
Prepare For Your First Visit
1. Look through the list of providers and choose your clinic/provider.
2. Call the clinic’s/provider’s office and ask if they are taking new patients and verify if they are accepting your insurance plan.
3. Make your appointment date/time.
4. Prepare any important documents you need to bring. Ask during the phone call if you are unsure.
5. Come early to your appointment to fill out your paperwork.
Your Texas Benefits
National Dating Abuse Helpline: 1 (866) 331-9474
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1 (800) 799-7233
The Texas Youth Hotline: (800) 989-6884
Texas Foster Youth Health Initiative
Explore resources to help youth feel connected, safe, and empowered to make informed decisions about their sexual health and relationships.
Legal
Guide To “Aging Out” In Texas
The Texas Foster Youth Project helps current and former foster youth in Texas to understand their legal rights. They provide legal advice, assistance, guidance, and representation in enforcing foster care rights and resolving legal problems as youth age out of care.
This information is presented in a PDF document. Click below to open and download the guide.
Life Skills
Driver’s License Guide For Foster Youth
Freedom Wheels designed this easy to use guide to help youth ages 15-17 prepare for and receive their driver’s license.
The following resource is presented in a PDF document. Click below to open and download the guide.
VIA Metropolitan Transit
UTSA and VIA have partnered to provide free, unlimited bus service to current UTSA students and paid employees.
VIA riders can get real-time bus arrival information delivered to their mobile devices here.
Identity Specific
Social Justice Resources
- Readings
- Films & Videos
- Antiracist Resources
- Activities & Discussions
Click below to open and download the PDF file.
LGBTQ+
Resources to assist lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning foster youth in the San Antonio and Greater Texas area.
Click below to open and download the PDF file.
Black/African American
Resources to assist Black and African American foster youth in the San Antonio and Greater Texas area.
Click below to open and download the PDF file.
Hispanic/Latinx
Resources to assist Hispanic and Latinx foster youth in the San Antonio and Greater Texas area.
Click below to open and download the PDF file.
Can’t find a resource you need? Email us: info@bcfes.org and we’ll be in touch.