LINKS Program

Our Services

The LINKS program provides a variety of services, goods, and funds to help current and former foster youth who are between the ages of 13 and 21 develop various needed skills to live independently.

Availability

The LINKS Program is available to:

  • Current Hoke County DSS foster youth, ages 13 to 20
  • Former foster youth who aged out of care at age 18 (until age 21)
  • Former foster youth who were teens in foster care but left before age 18
  • Youth who aged out of foster care from another county or state can receive limited services

Contractual Agreement for Residential Services (CARS)

A youth who ages out at 18 can sign a CARS agreement and remain in a foster home to finish their high school education and/or continue on to college until their twenty first birthday.

Youth who age out foster care at age 18 can sign back into care to continue their education up until their 21st birthday.

Using LINKS Funds

LINKS funds and LINKS Special funds can be used many ways:

  • Tutoring
  • Driver's Education
  • Clothing for job interviews
  • Uniforms for work and school
  • Some housing expenses (rent, deposits, furniture)
  • School activities that promote social development
  • Cash Incentives for good school grades / improved grades

Important Resources for Youth