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 2006 to 2007, the state of North Carolina reports there were 620 youth who aged out of the foster care system and are between the ages of 18 and 21. Of these 620 youth, over 85 have aged out of care from New Hanover County. Out of these 85 plus youth, 10% have been homeless in the past year, 34% have a high school diploma, 8% have their GED, and 7% 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 teenswho 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 economic resources to meet their daily needs
• A safe and stable place to live
• Attain academic or vocational/educational goals
• A sense of connectedness to persons and the community
• Avoid illegal / high risk behaviors
• Postpone parenthood until financially established and emotionally mature
• Access to physical and mental health services
Whom does NC LINKS serve?
• Youth currently in foster care custody ages 13-18
• 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.
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 Yaegar at (910) 798-3584.