Home » Kentucky CHFS secures $5M federal grant for youth support services

Kentucky CHFS secures $5M federal grant for youth support services

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky’s Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities has secured another $5 million federal grant to continue the successful TAYLRD program (Transition Age Youth Launching Realized Dreams) through March of 2024.

TAYLRD allows Kentucky youth ages 16 to 25 to easily access high-quality, developmentally appropriate, youth-driven support services to help them achieve their goals and transition into adulthood successfully.

Youth and young adults can visit one of Kentucky’s 20 TAYLRD drop-in sites to access behavioral health services provided in settings that are welcoming and engaging, and designed especially for their age group. Many of the drop-in centers have pool tables, video games, computer labs, and other amenities to create an unintimidating, welcoming atmosphere for young adults who are seeking help.

“TAYLRD is an innovative way to empower youth and young adults to be in charge of their own behavioral health using an approach that is engaging and inviting to young people,” said DBHDID Commissioner Wendy Morris. “It is important that youth view seeking opportunities and services to help them transition as a positive step. The drop-in centers provide that environment.”

Available services include expedited assistance in locating housing, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment.

At the Louisville drop-in center, the number of members reporting homelessness decreased from 73% to 43% in six months. Another 30% moved from unemployment to being employed full or part-time in six months. And 31% indicated a decrease in exposure to violence six months into the program.

Since TAYLRD’s inception in 2014, the program has helped more than 1,900 youth throughout the state.

Additional information is available at http://chfs.ky.gov/.