Teens in Foster Care
There is no group of young people in America more at risk than those who have “aged out” of foster care, and these youth are certainly not small in number. Every year as many as 25,000 young people reach the age of 18 while still in foster care and lose the support of the state.
Recent polls indicate that a majority of Americans believe that most
people do not achieve full-fledged adulthood until age twenty-six.
Although most youth choose to leave custody immediately after turning 18, there are some services and options available if they ever need help later in life, or decide that they simply cannot make it on their own at that time.
What is NC LINKS?
From 2007 to 2008, the state of North Carolina reports there were 1,868 youth who aged out of the foster care system and are between the ages of 18 and 21. Of these 1,868 youth, over 72 have aged out of care from New Hanover County. Out of these 72 plus youth, 25% have been homeless in the past year, 47% have a high school diploma, 5% have their GED, and 22% are still in high school. However, the State of North Carolina has taken steps to help the youth that are “aging out” of the system. The NC LINKS program was created primarily for youth, age 18 to 21, and for other teens who were in foster care. The name LINKS is not an acronym, and therefore does not “stand” for anything. Instead, it is a word that captures the need to build a network of relevant services with youth so that they will have ongoing connections with family, friends, mentors, the community, employment,
education, financial assistance, skills training, and other resources to facilitate the transition to adulthood.
All youth leaving the foster care system shall have:
• Sufficient income to meet their daily needs
• A safe and stable place to live
• Attain academic or vocational/educational goals
• Connections to a positive personal support network
• Avoid illegal / high risk behaviors
• Postpone parenthood until financially established and emotionally mature
• Access to routine mental health, health and dental health care
Who is eligible for NC LINKS?
• Youth currently in DSS custody ages 16-18 (some services available for 13-15 year olds)
• Youth who aged out of foster care at age 18 and are currently between age 18 and 21
• Youth who are in voluntary/Contractual Agreement for Residential Services aged 18 and 21
• Youth who were in custody as a teenager (13-18), but were discharged from care before age 18 and are now between age 13 and 21
What services does NHCDSS LINKS provide to youth in and out of foster care?
Transitional Funds
: this service is used to achieve positive outcomes. Examples of this include: tutoring, summer school, furnishing apartments, bicycles for transportation to and from work, etc.
SAYSO
: (Strong Able Youth Speaking Out) a statewide association of youth ages 14 to 24, who are or have been in the foster care system. Their mission is to work to improve the foster care system by educating the community, speaking out about needed changes, and providing support to these youth. More information is available at www.saysoinc.org
LifeGuide Program
: provides mentors to youth, ages 16 to 21 to work on a one-on-one basis to develop independent living skills.
Housing Funds: Funding available for rent deposits, rent or down payments. Must be currently between 18 and their 21st birthday and turned 18 in custody.
Education and Training Vouchers - ETV: The NC ETV Program offers funds to foster youth and former foster youth (must have been in custody after age 17) to enable them to attend colleges, universities and vocational training institutions. Students may receive up to $5000 a year between their 17th and 23rd birthday as they pursue higher education. The funds may be used for tuition, books or qualified living expenses. www.statevoucher.org
NC REACH: Financial assistance for any youth who aged out of foster care at age 18 or who was adopted after age 12 if they are attending one of the NC state colleges or universities including community colleges. Funding for tuition, books, fees, housing, etc. www.ncreach.com
Transitional Funds: Funding for youth eligible for any of the LINKS services to be used in achieving positive outcomes. Examples of this include: tutoring, work uniforms, summer school, furnishing apartments, bicycles for transportation to/from work, etc.
Medicaid: Any youth who aged out of foster care at age 18 is eligible until their 21st birthday (must apply to all programs). Apply at your local DSS.
Resources and Referrals: The LINKS coordinator and /or your social worker is available to assist with or make referrals for counseling, job applications, resume building, educational services, etc. There is also a monthly skills and support group.
How you can help!
The foster care system is far from where it needs to be in regards to assisting these youth as they enter this crucial period of their life; however, the NC LINKS program is a step in the right direction. New Hanover County Department of Social Services is in great need for licensed foster homes that are willing to take these teens into their home. Foster homes will provide the stability and safety needed for the youth to carry on a “normal” high school or college career. New Hanover County DSS is also in need of foster parents as a placement resource for youth attending Community College in this area.
This will provide a place for the youth to visit on breaks and holidays from school. If you would like more information on how you can help please call the New Hanover County Department of Social Services, Holly Yaeger at (910) 798-3584.