2021 Research Report
Our interim report from the first year of the Texas Foster Youth Permanency Study centers the voices of youth participants and fills critical knowledge gaps about what helps youth in care thrive in emerging adulthood. Three key themes arose from our interviews and surveys with youth:
- Connections with peers in school contribute to academic success and wellbeing
- Empowering youth starts with active listening
- Healthy relationships conversations are essential
Read the 2021 Research Report!
Initial Pilot Study Findings
The ongoing Texas Youth Permanency Study explores the complexities of permanency with youth currently in the foster care system in Texas. Preliminary findings suggest that:
- Authentic relationships matter most.
- Every child needs to feel normal.
- Authentic relationships and feeling normal foster well-being in adulthood.
Read the 2018 Pilot Study!
Our TYPS Sheets

Caseworkers
As caseworkers, you play a critical role in shaping the life of a youth in foster care. You have considerable […]

Mental Health Professionals
As a mental health professional, you have a critical role in the foster care system by providing direct care that […]

Judges
As judges, you play a critical role in shaping the lives of youth. A theme for nearly all participants in […]

Institutions serving foster youth
In 2017, we interviewed 30 young adults formerly in Texas foster care for the Texas Youth Permanency Study (TYPS). The […]

Birth Families
We heard one thing over and over from youth in our study. And while what we heard probably won’t come […]

Foster Families
As foster parents, you play a critical role in shaping the lives of youth in foster care. The hard work […]

Adoptive Parents
The formation of a family through adoption is a lifelong journey that is beautifully rewarding but also complex. Although not […]

TYPS Sheets
The TYPS team has put together a series of highlighted recommendations in the form of “TYPS Sheets” for judges, parents, […]
TYPS Training

- Participants will learn how experiences in foster care affect social development, outcomes and relationships
- Participants will learn how supporting normalcy activities can promote child wellbeing
- Participants will learn about best practices to promote normalcy and understand the legal protections afforded through the prudent parent standard