Linking Individuals/Families in Need of Community Support (LINCS) is a prevention process that provides assessments, recommendations and referrals to families who are in need of services and support for their children. LINCS is a collaborative prevention effort of HopeSpoke, Region V Systems and the Lancaster County Attorney’s office.

Through a comprehensive Family and Systems Assessment (FSA), LINCS utilizes family strengths and goals to identify appropriate services for families with youth who are at-risk of becoming involved with the juvenile system. LINCS is a voluntary process and cannot be mandated by the court system or school.

Appropriate referrals to LINCS include youth ages 7-18 with problematic behaviors and issues related to: anxiety, attention difficulties, defiance, depression, hyperactivity/impulsivity, parent/child conflict, physical and verbal aggression, police contact, poor social skills, property destruction, runaway behavior, school-related issues, self-esteem, self-injury, sexual assault or misconduct, substance use/abuse, suicidal ideation, or theft.

Youth who are NOT appropriate for LINCS include those who are currently state wards, involved with probation, placed in a higher level of care, or have been adjudicated in juvenile court.