The Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program was implemented in 1986 to ensure that older youth in substitute care are prepared for their inevitable departure from the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services’ care and support.  PAL policy requires that youth 16 and older who is in substitute care receive services to prepare them for adult living. With funding availability, CrossRoads Youth and Family Services may serve any youth 14 or older on whom Child Protective Services has an open case.

The foundation of the PAL program is the provision of training to assist youth in developing skills necessary to function as an adult. CrossRoads Youth and Family Services has staff that provides training aimed at improving self-esteem and improving the ability to make responsible decisions.  Skills and resources needed to be healthy, productive adults are presented in the following areas:

   Personal and interpersonal Skills

   Job Skills

   Housing and Transportation

   Health

   Planning for the Future

   Money Management

Preparing youth for adulthood is much more than teaching them how to balance a checkbook and sign a lease. PAL helps youth face the challenges of adulthood and independence and assists them in identifying and developing support systems for when they leave care.  Most of all, PAL helps them realize that there are options.