KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

​Just because a youth is in foster care does NOT mean they have no RIGHTS!  

Youths have the right to be told why they are in foster care, what will happen to them, what is happening to their family (including brothers and sisters), and how CPS is planning for your future

Youths have a right to visit and have contact with people outside the foster care system.

Youths have a right to go to school an get an education that fits their age and individual age;

Youth have a right to actively participate in creating a plan for services and permanent living arrangements,

Youths have a right to go to court hearings and speak to the Judge.

Youths have a right to a copy of the Rights of Children and Youth in Foster Care and have it explained to them.

 

Effective September 1, 2017, an 11th or 12th grade student may be eligible to graduate and receive a high school diploma if they fail no more than two end-of-courses, provided they successfully complete the curriculum requirements required for high school graduate. This law only applies to an 11th or 12th grade student who has failed to comply with the end-of-course assessment for not more than two courses.

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Youth now currently in foster care have a way to file a complaint against the Department of Family and Protective Services and not be retaliated against as long as the complaint is made in good faith.

Ombudsman For Children and Youth in Foster Care.
The ombudsman serves as a neutral party in assisting youth in DFPS care with complaints regarding issues within the authority of the department.

How do you file a complaint ?
Foster youth may call the Ombudsman Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at 1‐844‐286‐0769.

The Ombudsman can be reached online at:
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/ombudsman.