Questions about Fostering in TX

Hello Texas,

I am considering fostering children and young adults and have a few questions for those within the state.

1. How was your first drop-off? 2. What do you recommend I keep on hand? I have seen youtube videos about keeping spare clothes for those that come in with nothing but the clothes on their back. 3. How do you support a child or young adult? I understand they will need to learn how to manage their money and teach them to drive if they are old enough, but do you also teach that to younger kids? 4. What kind of activities can the foster parent take the kids to? Like amusement parks, camping, etc. 5. When they are 18, do they just...like leave? Or can they continue to stay? I would prefer to have them stay so they have a place to sleep, but I don't know how that works either.

I am looking into this because of the state's issues placing those in need in foster homes. As most of you are aware, youtube can lead you down a rabbit hole of video. I am not sure how it started, but it ended with me thinking about how unfair some of these kids have it. With the whole abortion thing, I feel it will get worse, but I also want to help them. It's not their fault for being in a bad place, but any experience or guidance will help me understand if I can support them.

[Foster Kids who age out of the system in texas](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDameVn7CDM)

[The need is always there](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtGcIg7rh3c)

[Broken Foster Care system in Texas](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnaMqV7ugJQ)

I have until the end of December to decide if this is something I can do. That is when my lease is up, and I can move to an apartment or rent a home with more rooms. I am aware of the room requirements, and maybe I have already decided and will do it. But I would like to know what those who foster face daily.