Foster Youth Programs

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) gives special attention to young people who are in foster care or who used to be in foster care. 

This web page has information to help Boards, Foster Youth Transition Centers and other partners who support these young people in foster care. Here you will find resources and information to help them succeed. The goal is to help foster youth achieve financial stability and continue to be financially secure.

Upcoming Foster Care Events

May 2026 Foster Youth Webinar Series

Join us for a Foster Youth Webinar Series in recognition of National Foster Care Month. All webinars will be held Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM CT.

Week 1, May 6: Post-Traumatic Growth for Foster Care Alumni
Speaker: Dr. Karyn Harvey
Description: Learn how foster care alumni can thrive after trauma through Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG), developing resilience and a deeper appreciation for life.
PPT Presentation
Word Presentation

Week 2, May 13: Executive Functions: They Don’t Show Up on Report Cards, but They Are the Foundation of All Behavior, Emotions, and Learning
Speaker: Dr. Layne Pethick
Description: Understand the neuroscience behind executive functions (working memory, impulse control, and so on) and how they impact behavior, emotions, and learning, along with practical strategies to support their development.
PDF Presentation
Word Presentation

Week 3, May 20: Work Opportunity Tax Credit
Speaker: Pouriya (Nick) Mosadegh
Description: Discover how the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) benefits employers who hire individuals facing employment barriers and how TWC supports businesses and job seekers.

Week 4, May 27: Personal Relationships Are Really the Backbone of Everything
Speaker: Dr. Yao Wang
Description: Explore the challenges youth exiting foster care may face in reconnecting with birth parents and how to support young people in navigating social relationships during their transition to adulthood.

2026 Foster Youth Conference 

Contact info: twc_fyconference@twc.texas.gov

TWC Announces the 2026 Annual Foster Youth Conference

We are pleased to announce our upcoming three-day Foster Youth Conference to be held in Allen, Texas, July 13–15, 2026!

Our conference is dedicated to empowering key personnel and professionals by providing valuable insights, resources, and networking opportunities. The dynamic presentations, workshops, and panels will align with our mission and address the unique needs and strengths of the foster care community.

Topics include, but are not limited to:

• Youth Voice & Adult Partnership—Focuses on empowering youth, amplifying their lived experiences, and building authentic, collaborative adult-youth partnerships to drive system change
• Connecting to Community Services—Navigating and accessing essential local, regional, and specialized community resources, including housing, mental health, employment, and educational support systems that are essential for youth success
• Policy Regulations and Requirements—Critical updates on current legislation, compliance mandates, operational regulations, and best practices governing foster care services and youth advocacy
• Foster Care to Independence—Equipping youth and frontline staff with the practical skills (financial literacy, education planning, employment) necessary for successful transition to adulthood
• Professional Development for Foster Care Stakeholders—Advanced training and skills-building for professionals (caseworkers, practitioners, staff) on topics like trauma-informed care, foster care system overview, child development, cultural competency, motivational interviewing, conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques, career exploration and counseling techniques for this population, and ethical considerations. 
  
  —The Conference Planning Team