· Youth are encouraged to participate in Soft Skills programming from ages 14-15 to expose them to goal setting, self-esteem, vocational exposure, and leadership development. They engage in a life skills assessment and career assessment and participate in the establishment of a Transitional Living Plan (TLP).
· Youth 16 to 18, also complete a life skills assessment and career assessment and participate in the establishment of a Transitional Living Plan (TLP) that supports their continued development of life skills; employment preparation; financial literacy development; exploring housing options following their emancipation; achieving secondary education while planning for post-secondary interests; exploring and planning vocational/trade pursuits; and developing a strong supportive natural support network.
· Youth adopted after the age of 14 are also eligible for LINKS services.
· Young adults, ages 18 thru 21 may choose to participate in the Foster Care 18 to 21 Program through the establishment of a Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA) if approved by the agency’s Director.
LINKS funds are available to assist youth and young adults with education and housing expenses, and other financial assistance, to support their independent living depending on the age at which they exited foster care.
Youth and young adults are encouraged to maintain contact with their assigned LINKS Coordinator so that they may monitor their progress and provide supportive services as needed.
Programs and Services
Soft Skills Groups are offered at least twice a year for 14- to 15-year-old youth and focuses on issues particularly critical to this age group such as communication, interpersonal skills, healthy relationships, making positive choices, and healthy sexuality.
Life Skills training is offered at least three to four times per year for youth 16 -21 years old and focus on topics such as employment, transportation, housing, Financial Literacy (which includes budgeting, money management, checking/saving accounts, managing credit, etc.), meal planning and preparation, community resources, education, vocational training, interpersonal skills, auto buying, car insurance, health insurance, military, and a host of other services/opportunities.
Vocation week includes a week of trips to a variety of employers, learning institutions, and other community resources in Mecklenburg County to allow youth and young adults the opportunity to explore and observe different career options and resources, which are relevant to their success. The youth and young adults are able to speak with various professionals about their careers and inquire about the day-to-day work operations, salary ranges, and the educational requirements needed to achieve a career in the field of their interest. They also learn how to access resources that they may need.
The LINKS Program takes a host of youth and young adults on campus tours of various colleges and universities in North Carolina.
The LINKS Program also helps with educational planning for high school juniors and seniors. Services include things such as: referrals to alternative education programs; reviewing graduation requirements with each youth; helping the youth to research post high school educational and vocational opportunities; and assists them with their registering for standardized college admissions tests, completing college applications, and applying for scholarships.
The LINKS Program also facilitates trips to various Job Corps sites in North Carolina. The tours allow the youth the opportunity to see a free education and training program to help them develop a career, earn a high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job.