As the Kentucky Thriving Families, Safer Children  (TFSCKY) initiative prepares to enter its fifth year, we’re proud to reflect on the remarkable efforts of our partners who share our mission of supporting families before a crisis occurs. At the heart of TFSCKY is a simple but powerful belief: by providing community support and increasing collaboration, we can keep families together and promote overall well-being, safety, and positive outcomes. 

This month, we are spotlighting the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID), a dedicated TFSCKY partner making strides toward healthier, stronger communities across the Commonwealth.

Proactive Support for Health and Well-being

DBHDID has long championed the importance of whole-person care. From promoting general wellness to ensuring access to essential services for individuals facing mental illness, substance use challenges, or developmental and intellectual disabilities, the department plays a key role in creating environments where Kentucky families can thrive—not just survive.

Community-Driven Collaboration

A cornerstone of DBHDID’s approach is its commitment to building strong, local partnerships. In 2024 alone, the department collaborated with 183 community organizations, leveraging local knowledge and connections to deliver support where it’s needed most. Through these partnerships, DBHDID distributed an impressive $448 million in funding, empowering providers and community-based organizations to expand their reach and deepen their impact.

Strategic Initiatives with DCBS

The power of collaboration is further demonstrated in DBHDID’s work alongside the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS). Together, they launched 12 new initiatives designed to enhance service delivery for youth and families across Kentucky. These efforts reflect a shared vision of a Kentucky where families receive support well before they face serious challenges, strengthening the foundation for long-term safety, stability, and success.

Current work being done

TEAM SOAR (Team-Engaged Assertive Mechanics for SSI/SSDI Outreach Access Recovery) Expands Street-Based SSI/SSDI Outreach Across Kentucky

In September 2024 SAMHSA awarded Kentucky’s Department for Behavioral health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID) a five year, 1 million dollar per year TIEH (Treatment for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness) grant. 

In partnership with Seven Counties Services (SCS) and the University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute (UK HDI), the program plans to link individuals to essential services that they need. These services include mental and physical health care, recovery programs, housing benefits applications, and vocational referrals. DBHDID reports that grant funds will also be used to cover transportation IDs and vital records. 

The pilot site for TEAM SOAR is the Louisville Metro area. Seven Counties will employ a street outreach team that consists of  therapists, case managers, peer support specialists for adults and part time staff for TAY outreach. The goal is statewide adoption of this street-based model to reduce unsheltered homelessness across the Commonwealth.

Thirteen additional Community Mental Health Centers participate through bi-monthly learning collaboratives, quarterly implementation meetings and an annual summit. 

DBHDID Trauma & Resilience: Coming soon, CHFS Staff Resilience Questionnaire

DBHDID has released  a Staff Resilience Questionnaire that will be used to collect feedback from CHFS (Cabinet of Health and Family Services) staff in order to measure their level of resilience and wellbeing. This survey will help create a better understanding of what staff believe the organization is doing well and where there are opportunities for growth within the organization. 

The importance of this survey lies in the need for the staff who help serve families and children to feel supported enough to be able to do so effectively. 

Looking Ahead

As we move into year five of the Thriving Families, Safer Children initiative, we are inspired by the dedication and innovation shown by our partners like DBHDID. Their tireless work reminds us that when communities invest in one another, we can create a Commonwealth where every family has the opportunity to flourish.

Together, we’re not just responding to problems—we’re building solutions. And that’s something worth celebrating.

If you are navigating the child welfare system or dealing with dependency, neglect, and abuse court and require further information and support, visit kythrivingfamilies.org. A variety of resources are available for foster youth, foster parents, kinship caregivers, and community partners and providers.

 

 

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