Transition Resource Action Center (TRAC)

The Problem:

Youth leaving the foster care system are unprepared for independent living and face significant challenges and barriers as they transition out of state care when they turn 18. Foster youth, as a group, struggle far more than other young adults, they are: 6 times more likely to become teenage parents and more than twice as likely to drop out of high school. While 70% of foster say they want to attend college, only 3% receive a college degree. 25% of youth aging out of foster care will experience homelessness before they are 21.Fewer than half of former foster youth are employed 4 years after leaving foster care, and only 38% have maintained employment for at least one year. In Texas there are 1500 youth “aging out” of the foster care system every year, struggling with homelessness, unemployment, poverty and lack of support.

Our Unique Response:

Transition Resource Action Center (TRAC) provides a “one stop” assessment/intake and referral facility for transitional living services for youth exiting foster and juvenile care in North Texas. TRAC brings together community resources and intensive case management service. It is the only such program in North Texas that exists to comprehensively address the needs of this population. TRAC is the regional safety net for former foster youth once theyare on their own. Annually, TRAC helps over 800 of the most challenged at-risk teens make a life plan and acquire skills they need to survive on their own after they turn 18.

TRAC services include:

Crisis Intervention for former foster youth
Assessment and Planning
Skill Building: Life Skills, Employability Skills, Financial Literacy
Job Placement and Retention
Educational Advocacy
Mentoring
Case Management
Training for Caregivers
Emergency, Transitional and Supportive Housing

Specifically, TRAC Life coaches assist with employment searches, enrollment in college, establishing a safe home, accessing health care, learning to manage a budget and building a connection to a caring community of adults and peers. Ongoing skill-building is a primary focus. TRAC emergency services include: crisis intervention, emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing, and emergency financial assistance.

Our Biggest Challenge:

Bringing our youth to a point where they understand they have the power and responsibility to change the trajectory of their lives, despite their lack of traditional family support growing up.

Our Effectiveness:

Last year, TRAC worked with over 800 youth/young adults in case management services, training classes, mentorship, and/or housing. In 2009, 98% of TRAC youth were stabilized in housing and 74% of TRAC youth were completing their education and/or employed. To hear how TRAC has changed life for one participant, click here

Success for TRAC youth means being in safe, stable, affordable housing and on track to a livable wage job, through employment or higher education. TRAC supportive services help emancipating teens set and achieve their educational, employment, and life goals so they can build strong, healthy, independent futures.