North Carolina LINKS Program
Open-knowledge reference entry
North Carolina LINKS is a program of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services.
The agency's website states that the name LINKS was chosen as a word that captures the purposes and intent of the Foster Care Independence Act also known as The John H Chafee Foster Care Independence Program. Social work research has shown that older youth and young adults who have experienced extended time in foster care are at increased risk of negative consequences once they leave care, such as dropping out of school, unplanned parenthood, high rates of untreated illness, homelessness, criminal activity, depression and suicide. It is these specific issues that the LINKS program addresses Research was also done at the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. plus at the School of Social Work, in partnership with BC Ministry of Children and Family Development, Greater Victoria Child and Youth Advocacy Society and National Youth in Care Network
Participants of LINKS
The program provides services to youth aged 14–18 while they are in Foster Care and also to young adults aged 18–21 who have aged out or are participating in the Foster Care 18 to 21 program, a voluntary program. In some counties there are also services provided for youth in the 13-15 age range.
Participation in the LINKS program is voluntary.
Each participant meets with a LINKS Coordinator to provide individual assistance with the transition towards independence.
Services provided range from information on delaying parenting & access to health care to help with safe and stable housing.
Through LINKS Coordinators and Social Workers at the DSS agencies, youth receive the knowledge leading towards independence when finished with the LINKS program.
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