🌱 Foster Care Youth Transition Program

Building Lives Beyond
Foster Care

For youth ages 16–21 aging out of foster care. Practical life skills, career readiness, and emotional wellness — developed by a clinical psychologist who understands trauma, transition, and what real independence takes.

Classes begin August 10, 2026

PAL Life Skills — Enroll Now → Refer Youth / Partner with Us

Who This Program Serves

Designed for Youth in Transition

Every year, thousands of young people age out of foster care with few resources and less preparation. GraceRoot's Foster Care Youth Transition Program meets them with clinically grounded, practically focused education — not sympathy, but skills.

🏠

Youth Aging Out

Young people ages 16–21 preparing to leave or recently leaving the foster care system — enrolled directly or through a case worker.

🏢

DFPS / Case Workers

Foster care agencies and case workers looking for a structured, state-aligned PAL curriculum to fulfill independent living requirements.

🏛️

Group Homes & Programs

Residential facilities, transitional housing programs, and group homes seeking online life skills training for their youth population.

⚖️

Court-Involved Youth

Youth with concurrent court involvement or juvenile justice system contact who need documented independent living education.

Available Programs

Foster Care Transition Tracks

Two program tracks — a Life Skills Track and a Career Pathway Track — built to align with state PAL requirements and practical transition needs. Enroll in one or both.

Now Enrolling

Life Skills & Career Readiness Track

43-hour PAL-aligned curriculum covering housing, financial literacy, healthcare, career readiness, emotional regulation, legal rights, benefits navigation, and healthy relationships. Certificate of Completion issued upon finishing.

43 Hours 8 Modules Online Self-Paced

$1,800

$900 subsidized for agency-referred youth

Enroll →

Coming Soon

Career Pathway Deep Dive

Expanded career track focused on job search, resume building, interview skills, workplace rights, and professional relationship management for youth entering the workforce.

Est. 20 HoursOnline

Notify me when available

State Program Alignment

State-by-State Status

GraceRoot's Foster Care program is designed for alignment with state-specific independent living and transition programs. Texas PAL is our first launch — no pre-approval gatekeeping, fully online accepted.

Pending Approval

Texas

Preparation for Adult Living (PAL)

Texas PAL supports youth ages 14–21 in foster care with life skills, education, and career planning. No state pre-approval gatekeeping — providers can deliver curriculum online. GraceRoot's submission is in process.

Estimated approval: 4–8 weeks

Coming Soon

Washington

Extended Foster Care (EFC)

Washington's EFC program supports youth up to age 21. GraceRoot will seek alignment after the Texas PAL launch is live and generating enrollment data.

Coming in 2026

Program Director

Dr. Donetta Quinones, PhD, LPC, LMHC

Dr. Donetta Quinones

PhD · LPC · LMHC · Forensic Psychology · Certified Human Behavior Consultant

Dr. Quinones brings over 20 years of clinical experience working with families, youth, and individuals navigating systemic trauma — including foster care, juvenile justice, and child protective services settings. A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) trained in Clinical and Forensic Psychology, she understands what youth aging out of care actually need: not sympathy, but skills, frameworks, and a clear path forward. The Foster Care Youth Transition Program is built on that foundation — evidence-based, trauma-informed, and practically grounded in real transition challenges.

For Agencies & Case Workers

Partner with GraceRoot

Are you a case worker, agency director, group home supervisor, or transition program coordinator? We offer agency referral discounts, bulk enrollment, and direct partnerships for organizations serving youth in the foster care system.

Agency Referral Inquiry

Fill out this form and we'll respond within 1 business day with pricing, enrollment options, and partnership details.

Your Name *

Organization *

Email *

Phone

Number of Youth to Enroll

Message

✓ Thank you — we received your inquiry and will follow up within 1 business day.

FAQ

Common Questions

Who is eligible for the Foster Care Youth Transition Program?

The program is designed for youth ages 16–21 who are currently in foster care, preparing to age out, or have recently aged out of care. Enrollment is open to youth directly, and to agencies, case workers, and group homes enrolling youth on their behalf.

Is this program approved by the state of Texas?

GraceRoot's PAL Life Skills curriculum is designed to align with Texas's Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) requirements. Texas does not require pre-approval for PAL providers, and online delivery is accepted. We are currently in the process of formal submission. We recommend confirming specific requirements with your DFPS caseworker.

What is the subsidized rate and who qualifies?

The subsidized rate is $900 (vs. $1,800 full tuition). Youth referred by an agency, case worker, or qualifying program may be eligible. Contact us via the agency referral form and we'll confirm eligibility. Grant-funded slots may also be available — ask about funding assistance.

What certificate does the student receive?

Upon completing all modules, students receive a Certificate of Completion issued by GraceRoot Institute, signed by Dr. Donetta Quinones, PhD, LPC, LMHC. The certificate includes the student's name, course title, hours completed, start and completion dates, and a unique certificate ID.

How long does the Life Skills course take?

The PAL Life Skills & Career Readiness course is 43 hours across 8 modules. It is entirely self-paced — students can complete it on their own schedule with no deadlines. Most students finish within 4–8 weeks.

Can agencies enroll multiple youth at once?

Yes. We offer agency enrollment options for organizations placing multiple youth. Use the referral form above or email graceroot.institute@gmail.com directly. We offer volume pricing and a simple enrollment management process for agency partners.

Building Lives BeyondFoster Care