Question 1

What is The Link?

Accepted Answer

The Link is Shelby County’s Youth Resource Center, designed to support young people and families who are facing emotional, behavioral, social, school-related, or family-based challenges. We provide early intervention, skill-building, resource coordination, and support—helping families get connected to the right services at the right time.

Question 2

Who can refer a youth to The Link?

Accepted Answer

Referrals can come from:
• Juvenile Court and probation
• School counselors, teachers, and SROs
• Parents, guardians, and caregivers (self-referrals welcomed)
• Law enforcement
• Community agencies and service providers

Youth do not need to have charges or court involvement to be referred.

Question 3

What ages do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve school-aged youth through early adulthood, with services centered around each child’s developmental needs.

Question 4

What issues or concerns does The Link help with?

Accepted Answer

We assist with a wide range of challenges, including:
• School behavior, attendance, and truancy
• Emotional or behavioral difficulties
• Family conflict and communication problems
• Peer conflict, unhealthy friendships, and social issues
• Anxiety, stress, and coping skills
• Anger, impulsivity, and decision-making
• Grief and loss
• Online behavior concerns and social-media compulsions
• Youth at risk of entering deeper juvenile justice involvement
If a concern is impacting a youth’s well-being, school success, or family stability, we can help.

Question 5

Does The Link provide counseling or therapy?

Accepted Answer

We are not a mental-health counseling center.
However, we provide evidence-based skill-building sessions, brief interventions, and resource coordination. When youth need therapy, psychiatric services, or specialized treatment, we help
families get connected quickly to trusted local providers.

Question 6

Is there a cost for services?

Accepted Answer

No. All services provided at The Link are free to youth and families.

Question 7

What happens during the initial visit?

Accepted Answer

During the initial visit, we:
1. Talk with the youth and caregiver to understand concerns, needs, and strengths.
2. Explore what’s been going well and what hasn’t. We use evidence-based screeners and questionnaires.
3. Identify practical supports, community resources, and next steps.
4. Create a short-term plan tailored to the youth and family.
The process is conversational—not clinical—and designed to reduce stress, not add to it.

Question 8

What types of services does The Link offer?

Accepted Answer

Services include:
• One-on-one skill-building sessions
• Triple P Parenting (Teen & 0-12)
• Attendance/truancy support and action planning
• Decision-making, emotional regulation, anger management, and social-skills sessions
• Resource coordination for basic needs, mental-health services, transportation, and more
• Pro-social activities
• Community outreach and early-intervention partnership with schools and law enforcement

Question 9

How long do youth receive services?

Accepted Answer

Support is individualized. Some families need just one or two meetings; others participate for several weeks, and some up to three months. The goal is to strengthen skills, stabilize concerns, and connect families to ongoing supports when needed.

Question 10

Do parents have to participate?

Accepted Answer

Parent/guardian participation is always encouraged. Many of our programs—such as Triple P parenting sessions, attendance action plans, and family-strengthening supports—work best when
caregivers are involved.

However, we mostly work one-on-one with youth, especially when privacy or comfort is needed.

Question 11

Is participation voluntary?

Accepted Answer

Yes—most referrals are voluntary and youth/families can choose to engage with us.
For court-involved youth, participation may be ordered by the Juvenile Court Judge or through Diversion, but our approach remains supportive rather than punitive.

Question 12

Can The Link help schools?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Schools use The Link as an early-intervention partner when students struggle with:
• Attendance
• Anxiety, social skills, or emotional regulation
• Discipline concerns
• Family issues affecting school performance
• Peer conflict or bullying
• Decision-making, impulsivity, and online behavior
Our services can reduce barriers for school staff and support more stable outcomes for students.

Question 13

How do I make a referral?

Accepted Answer

You can submit a referral:
• Online: through our website’s referral form at the bottom of each web page or CLICK HERE
• Phone: call The Link to discuss concerns directly 937.658.6660
Referrals are simple—just basic information about the youth and what your concerns are.

Question 14

What documents or information do I need for an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Usually very little. Basic demographic information, school information, and a description of the current concern are enough. We’ll guide you through the rest.

Question 15

What does The Link not do?

Accepted Answer

To be transparent:
• We do not provide long-term therapy.
• We do not provide emergency or crisis intervention.
• We do not transport youth.
• We do not function as a residential or shelter facility.
If a situation is a crisis or safety issue, we will help families reach the appropriate agency quickly (e.g., 988 hotline, local crisis services, law enforcement).

Question 16

How does The Link work with law enforcement and SROs?

Accepted Answer

Our role is to provide an alternative to charges whenever possible by offering early support and addressing underlying needs before things escalate.

Question 17

How does The Link protect privacy?

Accepted Answer

We maintain strict confidentiality within legal limits. We do not share personal information without caregiver consent unless required by law (e.g., safety concerns or mandated reporting). We have clients sign Release of Information forms outlining who we can speak with about a youth.

Question 18

What are the benefits of coming to The Link?

Accepted Answer

Families often report improvements in:
• School attendance and behavior
• Emotional regulation and coping skills
• Family communication
• Peer relationships
• Motivation and self-confidence
• Understanding available resources
Most importantly, families feel understood and supported rather than judged or overwhelmed.

Question 19

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

1000 Milligan Court Suite 102   Sidney, OH

Question 20

How do I contact The Link?

Accepted Answer

Phone: 937.658.6660
Email: thelink@shelbyco.net

Hours:
Monday - 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
Tuesday - 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Wednesday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Frequently asked questions