Are you a teen in foster care? There are resources for you!
Seven Desired Outcomes
Adolescents in foster care are also engaged in the normal but sometimes chaotic process of youth development. Because of their personal history, many of these youths are facing additional barriers to achieve positive outcomes, such as a history of abuse or neglect. Research has shown that caring adults can influence positive outcomes for all adolescents.
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That you will have sufficient economic resources to meet your daily needs.
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That you will have a stable and safe place to live.
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That you will attain academic or vocational goals.
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That you will have connections to a positive support system.
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That you will avoid illegal and high risk behaviors.
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That you will postpone parenthood until financially and emotionally capable of parenting.
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That you will have access to physical dental and mental health services.
More than 23,000 children will age out of the U.S. foster care system every year.
Services to Youth in Foster Care and Aftercare Services
Independent Living Services for Foster Children (NC LINKS) provides services and resources to:
- 4 Youth and young adults currently or formerly in foster care ages 13-17
- 4 Young adults who are between the ages of 18-21 and are participating in Foster Care 18 to 21
- 4 Young adults who aged out of foster care at age 18 and are not participating in Foster Care 18 to 21
We can help you! Peer group meetings and skills classes are available and you can earn cash incentives!
Foster Care 18-21
Young adults who were in foster care upon their 18th birthday may continue to receive foster care benefits and services up to 21 years of age after entering into an agreement with the agency and residing in an approved placement. One of the following criteria must be met on an ongoing basis:
- 4 Completing high school or a program leading to an equivalent credential; or
- 4 Enrolled in an institution that provides postsecondary or vocational education; or
- 4 Participating in a program or activity designed to promote or remove barriers to employment; or
- 4 Employed for at least 80 hours per month; or
- 4 Incapable of completing the educational or employment requirements due to a medical condition or a disability.
LINKS Transitional Funds
Financial assistance, combined with planned LINKS services, are offered to help you achieve one or more of the “Seven Program Outcomes” if you are between the ages of 13-20.
Up to $3000 available per year
LINKS Housing Funds
We can assist you in locating or paying for appropriate housing. These funds can be used for rent, rent deposits, room and board, or down payments on dwellings for young adults between the ages of 18-21.
Up to $1500 available per year
Medicaid for Former Foster Care
ETV (Education and Training Vouchers)
This program provides grants of up to $5,000 a year toward costs of attendance for college or vocational training. This program is for students who are eligible for the LINKS program and who either were:
- 4 In foster care on or after their 17th birthday
- 4 Adopted from foster care on or after their 16th birthday
- 4 Entered a kinship guardianship placement from foster care on or after their 16th birthday
Up to $5000 available per year
NCREACH - Educational Assistance for Adoptees and Foster Youth
NC Reach is an Education Support Scholarship program for students who were either:
- 4 Adopted from NC foster care on or after their 12th birthday
- 4 Aged out of NC foster care
This program offers these students the balance of the costs of attendance at any branch of the University of North Carolina or any public North Carolina community college.
Contact your foster care social worker at 704-982-6100 to set up an appointment to discover how we can help you!
Stanly County DSS
Albemarle, North Carolina 28001
704-982-6100
Normal Business Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
