Discharge

Island Harbor students discharging from the program should allow for sufficient time to prepare for discharge.  Ultimately, discharge occurs when the student successfully graduates with a degree from TAMU-CC.  Discharge can also occur if the student turns 21 prior to graduation.  In either case, the student should provide written documentation to their caseworker and Island Harbor staff at least 30 days prior to discharge.  Other situations where discharge is initiated are: 

• A youth requests a change in SIL providers 
• A youth completes their goals in SIL and Extended Foster Care and is ready to leave care for trial independence.   
• Refuses, or is unable to comply with eligibility requirements for Extended Foster Care and is ready to leave care for trial independence 
• Refuses to comply with TAMU-CC rules and regulations 

• Ends eligibility for Extended Foster Care 
• Demonstrates a need to be in a traditional Extended Foster Care placement that has more supervision because of issues such as maturity, behaviors, and safety.   

Discharge initiated by DFPS can occur if: 

• TAMU-CC is no longer in the student’s best interest  
• TAMU-CC is not meeting the student’s needs 

The caseworker must provide written notice to the student and TAMU-CC 30 days before the discharge date. 

The Island Harbor SIL placement at TAMU-CC will remain open for 14 days after DFPS receives notification of an unplanned discharge to allow the caseworker and the student to discuss the discharge, ensure that the student is secure, and certain of the decision to leave TAMU-CC.  If the student does not return to TAMU-CC in 14 days, the placement is closed.  The student’s caseworker is responsible for notifying the SIL coordinator. 

Within 90 days before the student’s planned date of discharge from TAMU-CC, the CPS caseworker will schedule a Transition Plan Review with the student and Island Harbor staff.  This will include, but is not limited to: 

• Housing 
• Job/Education 

• Contact Information for PAL staff 
• Contact information for Transition Centers 
• Review of PAL or other Transitional Living Services benefits 
• Aftercare Support 
• Plans while on a Trial Independence Period (if appropriate) 

• Current information about Star Health or STAR member health plan