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Published on January 21, 2025
Mecklenburg County Launches "GEAR Up" Pilot for Foster Youth Transitioning to IndependenceSource: Mecklenburg County

Mecklenburg County is stepping up its efforts to support young adults transitioning from the foster care system with a new pilot program aimed at tackling self-sufficiency hurdles. "GEAR Up," or Getting Every Adolescent Ready, is set to benefit 68 individuals between the ages of 18 to 21 who are aging out of foster care by providing them with $763 monthly. This financial aid can be used for a range of needs including childcare, healthcare, substance use treatment, groceries, education, and general household items. As per Mecklenburg County's news, the money will be managed by the County through LINKS Coordinators assigned to participants, ensuring the funds are allocated directly to services and products.

An important aspect of the GEAR Up initiative is the inclusion of a control group, formed by former foster children who will not be receiving the monthly funds but will be monitored via quarterly meetings. The intent is to rigorously gather and compare data to effectively assess the program's impact. By engaging with these young adults both benefiting from and outside the supplemental income, County officials hope to soon get a clearer picture of investment effectiveness. The initiative is backed by a $500,000 investment from the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, which reflects their dedication to reducing community inequity.

Focused on young people facing the daunting task of adult life with often scant support systems, the GEAR Up program was celebrated by Kim Henderson, director of Mecklenburg County’s Department Child, Family, and Adult Services. "We are excited to implement this pilot program and see how the initiative helps these young adults get off on the right foot," Henderson told Mecklenburg County's News. The Department notes that this program is the second initiative from the Office of Equity and Inclusion after a supplemental income program for residents post-incarceration.

Additionally, the GEAR Up initiative is shedding light on a pressing need for more foster parents within Mecklenburg County. The ongoing campaign to recruit foster parents aims to provide children with the care and protection they need often to bridge until a permanent solution is found. The COVID-19 pandemic has made this need more acute, with fewer families coming forward to foster. Those interested in nurturing children temporarily can get more details on the process by visiting MeckNC.gov/KIDS or calling 704-336-KIDS (5437), as highlighted in the outreach for potential foster parents.