Buckner International: Transition Ministries

It’s an issue that has faced children’s care services for decades: After providing a quality environment for children through foster care or group residential care, how do you continue to guide children after they age out of the system that cared for them?

Many former residents or foster children, once removed from the structured environment, often are ill-equipped to handle situations faced in adult life. And without a support system, many find themselves unemployed and homeless.

Buckner supports these children through innovative programming that helps young adults transition into adulthood and living responsible, self-sufficient lives. Some of the programs that help these children include:

TRAIL (Transitioning to Responsible Adult Independent Living)

TRAIL is for young adults ages 17-21 who are transitioning from Child Protective Services care to independent living. Assertive case management provides support as they work toward self-sufficiency by gaining education, job skills, life management skills and social skills.

Buckner provides TRAIL services to teens living in Beaumont and Lufkin, Texas (Region 5) and Lubbock (Region 1).

PAL (Preparation for Adult Living)

PAL services are required for youth ages 16 and older who are transitioning from foster care to adult living. Through the PAL program, teens have an opportunity to learn about money management, housing and transportation, build personal skills and good healthy habits. They also have the opportunity to discuss with their counselor about plans for the future.

PAL helps teens complete their educational goals and obtain a high school diploma of GED. PAL also provides a tuition waiver letter for teens desiring to further their education at a state-funded college or university. Taking advantage of this letter between the ages of 18 and 21 will ensure that all tuition and fees will be paid in full for the lifetime of the student.

Buckner provides PAL services to teens living in Lufkin, Beaumont (Region 5) and Lubbock, Texas (Region 1).

Read below to learn more about our transitional programs.

*Funding for these programs is provided by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.