Local link smoke
Run a crawl that checks every internal page, download, image, stylesheet, script, and anchor. Broken local routes should block a public launch ZIP.
Link freshness
Official links must stay fresher than static copies.
The site should route people to the right official source and make source dates visible enough to trust.
Official-source freshness
External links should be classified as official, trusted help, research, archive, or public-record. Official state and court links get highest priority when a page moves.
Moved-page fallback
When a state page moves, keep the JTforME route readable, state that official links must be verified, and update the link instead of encouraging stale local copies.
Source dates
Every public data card or policy claim should carry a source date, a method note, or a link back to the source library so readers can tell what is current and what is historical.
Maintenance artifact: link-maintenance-manifest.json defines the cadence, classifications, and fallback rule.
Link classes
OfficialTrusted helpResearchArchiveCampaign / public record
Use official pages for forms, filing requirements, court locations, DHHS/OCFS processes, child support, crisis support, legal aid routing, and anything where stale information could harm a family.