TXICFW believes that every child in the foster care system has a right to a safe, supportive and stable home. We also believe physical permanency and relational permanency or lifelong relationships with supportive adults are key to successfully creating the highest quality of life for foster youth. The needs of youth transitioning out of foster care are unique and can be numerous. TXICFW is dedicated to creating a system of support that mentors and advocates for the needs of transitioning foster youth. Learn more about our foster care projects:
Project Overview The Texas Permanency Outcomes Project (TXPOP) develops sustainable best practices utilized by child welfare agencies across Texas to connect children to their birth families, regardless of their permanency… Read more »
Project Overview First3Years is contracting with the Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing (TXICFW) to evaluate Safe Babies, a program designed to improve outcomes for infants and toddlers in… Read more »
Introduction Supporting the mental health and development of foster children starts with giving them caregivers who have the traits that generate secure attachment in children. Dr. Tina Adkins developed the… Read more »
The 30-month report on TFYHI progress features updates on our new partners and resources for youth and practitioners across the state. The Texas Foster Youth Health Initiative (TFYHI) builds relationships… Read more »
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, dedicated to providing resources and promoting respectful relationships for all young people. The Texas Foster Youth Health Initiative (TFYHI) works toward… Read more »
At its core, National Angels works toward supporting foster families by establish wellbeing and resilience for children and caregivers. The Love Box Program provides a sense of community and support… Read more »
Youth in foster care need regular and candid conversations about sexuality and relationships, our Texas Foster Youth Health Initiative project team found in a new study. Our team conducted interviews, community… Read more »
Our team developed a sample policy on sexual health for child welfare agencies. The Texas Foster Youth Health Initiative (TFYHI) works with child welfare professionals, foster caregivers, and youth in… Read more »
The TFYHI 24-month progress report provides a behind-the-scenes look at our work to unite child welfare and adolescent health system partners to improve health outcomes for youth in foster care,… Read more »
Project Overview TXICFW staff is consulting with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services as they restructure foster care rates to better meet the needs of providers. For more… Read more »
Throughout our Texas Youth Permanency Study (TYPS), we’ve explored relationships that are important to young people living in foster care. Our research shows how relationships with birth families and relatives… Read more »
Normalcy in child welfare means the ability for children and teens to live as normal of a life as possible while in foster care. Normalcy can be seen as access… Read more »
Last fall, our team at the Texas Foster Youth Health Initiative (TFYHI) partnered with four child-placing agencies in Texas. Each agency works directly with youth in foster care in different… Read more »
In 2021, the Texas Foster Youth Health Initiative (TFYHI) team conducted a survey on healthcare providers working with youth in foster care. We surveyed and interviewed healthcare professionals across Texas… Read more »
This Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we’re highlighting resources on creating healthy relationships for youth in care. Learn more with new resources from the Texas Foster Youth Health Initiative. Check… Read more »
The TFYHI 12-month progress report highlights successes from the past year and provides a sneak peek at what’s on the horizon. Over the last 12 months, the Texas Foster Youth… Read more »
Project Overview National Angels has partnered with the Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing (TXICFW) to explore the impact of its services for its Austin Angels chapter. After receiving… Read more »
We are excited to share the 6-month progress report for the Texas Foster Youth Health Initiative (TFYHI). The Initiative aims to build relationships across child welfare and adolescent health systems… Read more »
Project Overview The Texas Foster Youth Health Initiative (TFYHI) builds relationships across child welfare and adolescent health systems to promote optimal health for child welfare-involved youth. In partnership with the… Read more »
About the study Foster youth tend to interact with many people, but they have few genuine connections. Older youth are most likely to experience placement instability that impacts their ability… Read more »
The Sue Fairbanks Psychoanalytic Academy cultivates its study at the intersection of psychoanalysis and social work. The Academy is located within the Texas Institute for Child and Family Wellbeing at… Read more »
Youth who have experienced adversity have higher rates of adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections compared to youth in general. Those in out-of-home care may miss sexual health education in… Read more »
The Texas Youth Permanency Study (TYPS) examines the long-term outcomes and opportunities of youth in the Texas Foster Care System. Specifically, the study seeks to understand the quality of relationships… Read more »
The University of Texas Spark Program wants to empower former foster youth by providing necessary support systems to attend the university! Spark serves as a resource to help students build… Read more »