What is NYTD?
In 1999, Congress established the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP). This program gives states flexible funding to assist youth in transitioning out of foster care. The law also requires the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to develop a data collection system to track the independent living services provided to youth and to develop outcomes that measure states' success in preparing youth for their transition from foster care to adult living. To meet this requirement, the National Youth in Transition Database data collection system was created.
What will Texas report?
NYTD requires us to engage in two data collection and reporting activities.
First, we will collect and report basic demographic data on each youth and the independent living services provided to them by Texas in thirteen (13) categories:
- Independent living needs assessment
- Academic support
- Post-secondary educational support
- Career preparation
- Employment program or vocational training
- Housing education and home management training
- Budget and financial management
- Health education and risk prevention
- Family support and healthy marriage education
- Mentoring
- Supervised independent living
- Room and board financial assistance
- Education financial assistance
Second, we will conduct a baseline survey of youth in foster care at age 17 (within 45 days after their birthday) and will conduct a follow up survey with a random selection of these youth at ages 19 and 21 to collect and report information about the following youth outcomes:
- Financial self-sufficiency
- Experience with homelessness
- Educational attainment
- Positive connections with adults
- High-risk behavior
- Access to health insurance
We will collect and report outcome information on a new cohort of youth every three years. All outcome information with the exception of demographics must be obtained directly from the youth and reflect the youth's provided response.
Why should youth be involved?
- Help Others! Leave a Legacy! Make a difference for their younger brothers and sisters in foster care.
- Be represented! Opportunity to have their voice count by providing feedback via the survey
- Make a Difference! Participation will encourage others to be involved
- Stay Connected! The Texas Youth Connection website www.texasyouthconnection.org will be the survey location and a place where youth can receive specialized information, updates and fun stuff too.
How will Texas comply with this requirement?
To comply with NYTD Standards, our data submissions must meet certain file format requirements and data accuracy standards. We must also meet a youth participation rate standard for the NYTD outcomes survey. Non-compliance may result in penalties between one and five percent of our annual Chafee Foster Care Independence Program allotment. This is the funding that is used to provide Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) services and benefits in Texas.
Texas began collecting data October 1, 2010. Each year is made up of two six-month reporting periods based on the federal fiscal year. The first reporting period (A) is from October 1st to March 31st and the second reporting period (B) is from April 1st to September 30th.
What can caregivers and others working with transitioning foster youth do to help?
- Encourage youth to take the survey when asked.
- Keep up with youth contact information
- Be a resource