Legal Resources

All resources on this page can be used for personal and educational use.

* indicates a resource was developed by the Texas Foster Youth Justice Project, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Inc. or Texas C-Bar and that you are encouraged to download it, copy/reproduce it and distribute it.

Foster Care Issues

• Texas Kincare Primer:
  • English version
  • Spanish version
• Access Granted- Texas Foster Care Handbook for Youth
  • English Version
  • Spanish Version
• The Guide to Texas CPS (Child Protective Services)
• Bill of Rights
• CPS Records*
• Native American Children Foster Care Placement and Removal
• Benefits for Current and Aged out Foster Youth

Attending Court Hearings

• Attending Court Hearings*
• Rights of Foster Youth to Attend Court Hearings Legal Memorandum*
• Directing Attorney Ad Litem to Advocate to Attend Court Hearings*
• Attorney Ad Litems *
• Report to Court by Foster Youth

Education

• TDFPS Higher Education Services/ Information for Current and Former Foster Youth, Adopted youth and Youth in PCA/PMC
• Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program- Initial Application
• UIL Rules and Foster Care*
• Tuition Waiver for College*
• Special Education Guide for Parents
• When My Child is Disciplined at School

Medical Issues and Health Insurance

• Health Insurance for Aged Out Foster Youth *
• Medicaid Address Update
• Pregnancy and Other Medical Issues*

Aging Out

• Foster Care to Adulthood: Protocol for Reform
• Checklist for Judges*
• A Guide For Those "Aging Out" Of Foster Care In Texas*

Identification Documents

• CPS Requirements for Providing Identification Documents
• CPS Handbook Provisions on Birth Certificate
• Getting a Texas State ID Card*
• Getting a Social Security Card*
• Getting a Driver's License*
• Getting a Copy of your Birth Certificate*
• Changing the Name on your Birth Certificate*
• Getting Driver's License for Work When Yours is Suspended (Texas Law Help)

Housing Rights

• Austin Tenants Council
  (information is accurate for all of Texas, not just Austin)

Emancipation

• Jane's Due Process
  (information is accurate for all kids, not just pregnant girls)

Searching for Birth Families

• Texas Central Adoption Registry
  

Starting Your Own Business

• Minding My Own Business*
  A legal toolkit to offer guidance to the young entrepreneur
• Legal Assistance to Microenterprises Project (LAMP)*

Criminal Laws

• Sealing Juvenile Court Records in Texas*
• Sellando Archivos de Tribunales de Menores en Texas*
• Street Smart Austin: Know Your Rights!*
  (information on criminal laws and resources for the homeless in Austin)
• Street Smart Corpus Christi: Know Your Rights!*
  (information on criminal laws and resources for the homeless in Corpus Christi)
• Street Smart Dallas: Know Your Rights!*
  (information on criminal laws and resources for the homeless in Dallas)
• Street Smart El Paso: Know Your Rights!*
  (information on criminal laws and resources for the homeless in
  El Paso)
• Street Smart Fort Worth: Know Your Rights!*
  (information on criminal laws and resources for the homeless in Fort Worth)
• Street Smart Houston: Know Your Rights!*
  (information on criminal laws and resources for the homeless in Houston)
• Street Smart San Antonio: Know Your Rights!*
  (information on criminal laws and resources for the homeless in San Antonio)
• Expunction (Erasing) of Criminal Records (Texas Law Help)

Help for Youth

• Guide to Service in Austin Area for Youth
• Resource Guide for the San Marcos Area and Surrounding Counties
• Resource Guide for the Waco Area and Surrounding Counties