Service Flexibility
The hallmark of the Link program is in the staff's ability to work with youth and families in a variety of settings, hours, activities and situations. Each child and family has unique needs. Thus, it is the program's philosophy and practice that services remain completely flexible.
The program's flexibility has also allowed us to continually revise the program to meet the family needs, rather than forcing them to meet a pre-defined program. We never attempt to force services, rather we adapt services to the needs of the child and family.
The program's flexibility has also allowed us to continually revise the program to meet the family needs, rather than forcing them to meet a pre-defined program. We never attempt to force services, rather we adapt services to the needs of the child and family.
Services in the community, not in the office
Link staff works with the youth and families in the home, the community, the school or wherever the youth and family are most comfortable. This allows staff to successfully engage youth and families and help them to connect (or "link") to the services and resources they need. The Link program's success in engaging youth and families is strongly based on its willingness to meet the family in their own environment.
Engagement of youth and families
The primary role of the Link program is to help the youth and family engage services. Professional services and community resources are not always accessible. Therefore, Link helps to ease the transition to services and resources. This may include helping with transportation, attending meetings or assisting access to resources. Although there are some standard services offered by Link, such as school support, the goals and services offered to achieve those goals are as unique as the family. Families and youth may not have utilized services previously because those services offered were not appropriate for them.
Education program
In most cases, the youth in the program have difficulty in school. This may be anything from truancy to poor grades. The Link staff work with youth directly in the school setting. Staff coordinates communication between the school and home as well as helping the child to access additional education services
