Department for Aging and Disability Services
Home MenuYouth Leaders in Kansas (YLinK)
Youth Leaders in Kansas, known more commonly around the state by its acronym, YLINK, offers an opportunity for young adults to develop community awareness and youth leadership skills during the formative ages of 12 to 18 years that address mental health stigma reduction, suicide prevention, behavioral health awareness. Various YLINK sites can be found in cities and small towns across Kansas. They operate with the local support and guidance of caring adult volunteers and community partners and alongside the youth's primary caregiver(s), especially parents.
YLINK provides youth with a unique learning experience while interacting with peers, supportive adults, and their communities in positive ways, which lays the foundation for successful future endeavors as they learn and explore the real world and their ability to contribute.
YLINK is a great resource for young adults with information on the importance of education and the development of individual and group leadership skills in their local community, statewide, and even nationally. The program provides an array of experiences, which includes, but is not limited to, improving family and peer relationships, community engagement, incorporating knowledge and training for employment and/or vocational education, and self-advocacy skills.
YLINK groups promote and provide programs that address mental health stigma reduction, suicide prevention, behavioral health awareness, youth voice, and advocacy. There are also opportunities for youth to participate in the state legislative process and learn about politics and advocacy at every level. Providing input to the Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council is a prime example.
YLINK supports a youth conference annually to celebrate the successes of its local groups. National speakers join the youth, attend breakout learning sessions on multiple topics, and have a lot of fun!
For current conference information or to learn how to apply to become a YLINK group, contact the KDADS Youth Engagement Specialist at KDADS.YLINK@ks.gov.
The program is supported through grant funds from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services's Behavioral Health Services Commission.