Item:
Title
Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 27BCC027 for the Department of Social Services to Recognize $45,000 from the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (LINKS) to Assist Eligible Foster Care Youth
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: October 12, 2026
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 27BCC027 for the Department of Social Services to recognize $45,000 from the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (LINKS) to assist eligible foster care youth. This is one-time additional funding allocated to Durham County via the LINKS program at NC DHHS.
A Dear County Director letter was issued to inform counties that North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Social Services (NCDHHS DSS) has been granted additional Chafee funds available to support eligible LINKS youth and young adults for SFY 2026-2027. These funds will be used to assist current and former eligible foster care youth and young adults ages 14-21 in achieving self-sufficiency. Each county was notified that they will receive a portion of the one-time special LINKS funding based on the number of young people in foster care in the county as of April 30, 2026.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: Healthy & Inclusive Community supporting equitable and inclusive health and well-being for all.
Resource Persons: Maggie Clapp, Director, Department of Social Services, Bila Louima, Deputy Director and Margaret Faircloth, Assistant Director
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 27BCC027 for the Department of Social Service to recognize $45,000 from the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (LINKS) to assist eligible foster care youth.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________