ARLINGTON, Texas – Buckner Foster Care of North Texas joined the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services July 20 to host Metroplex-area teens aging out of foster care in a conference designed to prepare participants for adult life. The inaugural TDFPS Region 03 PAL (Preparation for Adult Living) Teen Conference, held at First Baptist Church of Arlington, sought to share critical life skills with the group, who are generally considered at-risk after aging out of care.

Andrea Lawrence, program director for Buckner Foster Care of North Texas, said teens aging out of care face multiple obstacles to success after they leave the system. “Teens who have aged out of care often find themselves without a strong, encouraging support system. So we planned this conference to practically address some of the biggest needs they’ll face.”

The conference featured sessions on money management, healthy relationships, life skills, career planning, job interviewing, and avoiding substance abuse and the judicial system. The event also featured interactive group sessions, door prizes and speakers.

Lawrence noted the conference was a first-time event for Buckner Foster Care and filled a critical need for the target audience. “We could not have been more ecstatic to partner with TDFPS in an effort give these teens the tools they need to fall back on once they go out on their own. With all of the negative influences kids are up against in today’s culture, we want them to graduate from care confident that they have what it takes to make a positive life for themselves.