Foster Kinship Adoptive C6601 - FY 27 Federal - Foster Parent Mentor Program - CL 13

Proposed Scope of Work University of Kentucky College of Social Work Training Resource Center - Adoption Support for Kentucky (ASK) Program July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028 Adoption Support for Kentucky (ASK) specializes in the utilization of support groups to offer pre and post-adoptive support and training to foster and adoptive parents. ASK provides the opportunity to share resources, suggestions, frustrations and successes with those who share the unique life experience of adoption. ASK utilizes experienced foster and adoptive parents (ASK Adoptive Parent Liaisons (APLs)) to provide peer-led adoption support group meetings throughout the Commonwealth using various modalities (i.e. face-to-face, online, teleconference). Groups offer a combination of support, training, and/or relevant information – all tailored to the needs of the participants and the media/modality being utilized. Additionally, Cabinet-approved training is provided by APLs through one-on-one meetings with foster parents in accordance with DCBS Standard of Practice (SOP) 12:15 regarding Ongoing Foster Parent Training. Relevant information and support can also be provided to foster and adoptive parents by APLs via phone and e-mail. The services and support provided by ASK are open to any Kentucky adoptive family. The program proudly serves families formed through state, private, relative, or international adoption, as well as relative/fictive kin caregivers and foster parents with the state and private child placing agencies. Goal: ASK strives to prevent pre-adoptive disruptions and post-adoptive dissolutions through peer support and training. Objective 1: Provide professional development opportunities for ASK Adoptive Parent Liaisons Adoptive Parent Liaisons are experienced adoptive parents who are approved by DCBS to serve in this capacity. New Adoptive Parent Liaisons (APLs) undergo an orientation period wherein they are trained and mentored by an experienced support group leader and/or Program Coordinator until the Program Coordinator determines they are ready to lead a support group independently. Program Coordinators provide at least one professional development training each year for Adoptive Parent Liaisons. The training and information they receive may include, but is not limited to, best practices for teaching new skills and concepts to adult learners, group facilitation strategies, understanding and successfully navigating group dynamics, the importance of self-care, program policies and procedures, as well as resources and training related to foster/adoptive parenting. Objective 2: Offer peer-led support group meetings ASK support groups are provided based on the needs of foster and adoptive parents and regional requests. Support groups are provided monthly based on service demand and available funding. Groups may be provided via various platforms/modalities (i.e. face-to-face, online, etc.). Objective 3: Provide ongoing technical support to ASK Adoptive Parent Liaisons (APLs) Program Coordinators confer with each regional R&C Supervisor and their staff as needed to assess Adoptive Parent Liaison’s effectiveness and receive recommendations for program improvements. They also solicit ideas for training topics to ensure that ASK trainings are meeting the needs of the foster/adoptive parents in the area. Program Coordinators maintain monthly contact with APLs through email, individual calls, group Proposed Scope of Work University of Kentucky College of Social Work Training Resource Center - Adoption Support for Kentucky (ASK) Program July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028 conference calls, face-to-face meetings, and/or site visits. The program coordinator conducts at least one support group/training observation with each APL annually to observe their performance and provide them with feedback. Coaching and assistance are provided on an ongoing basis to support and enhance APL performance. Adoptive Parent Liaisons receive professional development training related to their role with ASK at least once each year. Program Coordinators review and approve APL reporting forms and develop trainings and related materials for APLs to present. Objective 4: Publicize support groups Program Coordinators monitor and track APL recruitment efforts and offer strategies for how APLs can best publicize support groups in their area. ASK events are maintained on a website that provides the date, location, training schedule and APL’s contact information for each support group meeting or training offered. Program Coordinators and APLs attend conferences and other events throughout the state to promote ASK services. Objective 5: Provide support and training to foster and adoptive parents through ASK Adoptive Parent Liaisons ASK APLs provide support, training, and/or relevant foster/adoptive information to Kentucky’s foster and adoptive families through various platforms and modalities (i.e. face-to-face, virtual/online, phone, secure social media). Additionally, Cabinet-approved training may be provided by APLs through one-on-one meetings with foster parents in accordance with the practice guidance for DCBS Standard of Practice 12:15 regarding Ongoing Foster Parent Training. The contact information of each APL is posted online, and APLs are available to offer support foster/adoptive parents through email/phone/virtual meetings. Objective 6: Adoption Awareness Program Coordinators collaborate with the DCBS Adoptions during the month of November to help bring awareness to Kentucky’s children who are available for adoption and to issue Adoptive Parent of the Year awards to families in each DCBS service region. Objective 7: Develop and implement ongoing virtual service provision plans Program staff will develop and implement continuity plans for ASK service provision using virtual platforms and technologies. These virtual service provision plans will be executed as needed to ensure the continuity of ASK services to foster/adoptive parents across the Commonwealth. Objective 8: Implementation of the Kentucky Adoption Mentoring Pilot Program Successfully implement the Kentucky Adoption Mentoring Program (KAMP) pilot with the primary aim of providing comprehensive support to Kentucky''s adoptive families, thereby reducing the occurrence of adoption dissolutions and disruptions. The objective encompasses the development and execution of a structured mentoring framework, training modules, and resource allocation strategies to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the program. The University of Kentucky utilizes Subcontractor for grants. Proposed Scope of Work University of Kentucky College of Social Work Foster Parent Mentor Program (FPMP) July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028 The Foster Parent Mentor Program specializes in one-on-one, intensive coaching relationships that provide newly approved foster parents with emotional support and encouragement, skill reinforcement, and parenting strategies unique to providing out-of-home care. These one-on-one mentoring relationships are designed to enhance the quality of care provided and stabilize initial placements. The program matches newly approved Foster Parents (mentees) with experienced Foster Parents (mentors) for their first six months of service or at the time of their first placement. Mentors seek to assist mentees by reinforcing what they learned during the initial pre-service training. Mentors also seek to help mentees learn additional information and apply new skills through the utilization of the Mentor/Mentee Learning Guide. This guide includes approximately 100 topics with information that can be discussed between a mentor and their mentee based on the needs of the mentee. This guide was developed in collaboration with veteran foster parents, DCBS Recruitment and Certification (R&C) personnel, and DCBS Central Office personnel. Additionally, mentors model and encourage appropriate partnership with the child welfare system and help mentees identify resources in their service region. Goal: The goal of the Foster Parent Mentor Program is to enhance the quality of out-of-home care provided and stabilize initial placements. Objective 1: Recruit, screen, and train mentors Program Coordinators consult with each regional R&C team’s supervisor at least once annually and with each R&C team once annually to assess mentors’ effectiveness, receive recommendations concerning their continued service, and to receive recommendations for recruiting new mentors. These meetings also provide an opportunity for Program Coordinators to provide program updates and receive feedback to inform program services. Upon receiving recommendations for potential mentors from regional R&C staff, Program Coordinators recruit those recommended and invite those who want to mentor to complete an online Mentor Orientation course. The orientation includes information on the program’s history and purpose and provides an in-depth understanding of the role and responsibilities of a Foster Parent Mentor, as well as information on confidentiality and effective strategies for mentee engagement. Following completion of this orientation, Program Coordinators communicate with the potential mentor to address any questions they may have and to gain additional insight into their willingness and ability to mentor. Ongoing professional development modules will also be developed as needed to continue to provide training to equip mentors for quality service. Objective 2: Create, administer, and manage mentor/mentee matches Upon receiving the Foster Parent Mentor Referral form from R&C staff, Program Coordinators match referees with a trained foster parent mentor. To date, referrals for mentoring are accepted for traditional Basic Foster Homes, as well as those who are approved as Basic Relative/Fictive Kin Foster Homes, and Child Specific Foster Homes. Subsequent or extended mentor matches are also provided for DCBS foster parents who consent to mentor services and for whom Program Coordinators or R&C staff believe additional or continued mentoring services would be beneficial. Proposed Scope of Work University of Kentucky College of Social Work Foster Parent Mentor Program (FPMP) July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028 Program Coordinators conduct mentee orientation statewide during pre-service training for potential DCBS foster parents. The purpose of this is to address any questions potential DCBS foster parents may have and allow Program Coordinators an opportunity to inform participants what they can typically expect from their assigned Mentor. Objective 3: Provide consultation and technical assistance to mentors Program Coordinators provide match management for each match. This includes technical assistance and/or consultation to assigned mentors. In addition, Program Coordinators develop professional development materials to support and equip mentors in their role, such as new mentor orientation, virtual trainings and sharing of pertinent resources. Program Coordinators inform both mentee and mentor of office hours and contact information, as well as contact information for after-hours availability. In terms of match management, Program Coordinators use a “Four Touch System” for each match initiated. This system includes a combination of phone calls to mentor and mentee, short questionnaires, and a final evaluation. Objective 4: Compile data on occurrence of mentoring The Foster Parent Mentor Program maintains a database/web portal to capture a variety of data related to mentoring services. Quarterly and annual reports are generated by region regarding the number of program referrals received and the number and type of new mentor/mentee matches created as well as total active matches. The overall number of contacts and the topics discussed between mentors and mentees is also reported as derived from the Mentor Monthly Contact Summaries submitted by Mentors. Objective 5: Develop and implement ongoing virtual service provision plans Program staff will develop and implement continuity plans for Foster Parent Mentor service provision using virtual platforms and technologies. These virtual service provision plans will be executed as needed to ensure the continuity of FPM services across the Commonwealth, including, but not limited to, online training modules, technology to assist with matching mentors to mentees, virtual meeting and utilization of virtual platforms for professional development, coaching, etc. The University of Kentucky utilizes sub-recipients for grants. Proposed Scope of Work University of Kentucky College of Social Work Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028 The Foster Parent Training Program collaborates with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) Department for Community Based Services and foster families to identify foster parent training needs. Services include training and curricula development and the dissemination of relevant training and child welfare related information. Conference and event coordination related to foster care is also provided. As the needs of foster families change, so does the program’s focus, which is continually guided and refined based on the needs of DCBS and Kentucky’s foster and adoptive families. Goal: The goal of the Foster Parent Training Program is to develop training and share information that meets the needs of Kentucky’s foster families in order to promote and enhance the safety, permanency and well-being of Kentucky’s children and families. Objective 1: Develop curriculum and/or provide training in support of the CHFS/DCBS Program Improvement Plan Program staff collaborate with the DCBS Training Branch, Central Office personnel, Recruitment and Certification staff, and Kentucky’s foster families to identify topics for curricula development. Upon the development and approval of foster parent training curriculum, trainings are presented as a Training of Trainers (TOT) or as a web-based training. Objective 2: Provide support and information to foster parents Program staff oversee the development and ongoing implementation and maintenance of the F.A.S.T. Help website. This website is designed to provide Kentucky’s foster/adoptive parents and relative caregivers access to resources they need from one easy to use online location. Program staff also monitor and respond to foster/adoptive parents and relative caregivers seeking information and support through the F.A.S.T. Hotline, which is available Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm at 1-833-859-3278 (1-833-UKY-FAST). Objective 3: Update and distribute Medical Passport Working in partnership with the DCBS Medical Support Section, TRC staff develop, edit, update, print tabs, assemble and ship medical passports. The Cabinet provides for the shipping of the passports. Program staff maintain a database to track the distribution of medical passports and ensure equitable distribution throughout the state. Objective 4: Facilitate Foster Parent Appreciation Activities In collaboration with DCBS Recruitment and Certification staff, oversee distribution of regional appreciation event funding. These funds are intended to recognize and appreciate the service of foster parents in each DCBS Service Region. In addition, program staff will coordinate a statewide appreciation event as requested by the DCBS Commissioner’s office to recognize regional winners of Foster Parents of the Year. Objective 5: Update and format the Foster Parent Handbook Program staff work closely with DCBS Central Office personnel to update and maintain a timely and informative handbook as a starting point for staff, workers, and foster parents to obtain information pertinent to the day–to-day activities of caring for Kentucky’s children. Proposed Scope of Work University of Kentucky College of Social Work Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028 Objective 6: Develop and implement ongoing virtual service provision plans Program staff will develop and implement continuity plans for Foster Parent Training (FPT) service provision using virtual platforms and technologies. These virtual service provision plans will be executed as needed to ensure the continuity of FPT services to foster/adoptive parents across the Commonwealth. Proposed Scope of Work University of Kentucky, College of Social Work Kentucky Kinship Information, Navigation, and Support (KY-KINS) July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028 Kentucky Kinship Information, Navigation, and Support (KY-KINS) provides paraprofessional, non-clinical peer support services to kinship care providers in Kentucky, thus improving access to support, information, and needed resources. KY- KINS supports program participants in an array of “life” areas, including home stresses and challenges, familial dynamics, goal setting, and social relationships. KY-KINS seeks to create a strong social support network easily accessible by participants in times of need. In so doing, the program aims to reduce the risk of placement instability among kinship providers. Objective I: Recruit, hire, and train a total of nine (9) Kinship Navigators to provide guidance and support to kinship caregivers working with Child Protection Services. Recruit, hire, and train one (1) Kinship Navigator Supervisor. These navigators will provide instruction on the Kinship Service Array, ensuring full comprehension of options, and will direct kinship caregivers to available support programs to support their custodial choice. Nine (9) kinship navigators (one in each of the CHFS Service Regions) will be recruited to work within each of the nine CHFS Service Regions. These Kinship Navigators will be trained, contracted professionals who will cooperatively work with the Department of Community Based Services (DCBS) regional staff, ensuring kinship caregivers understand the options and service array available to them. Navigators will ensure families have all information necessary to make a fully informed decision regarding custodial options. Navigators will also connect caregivers with support programs through KY-KINS, based on their choice, as well as additional supports in the state. As part of this process, Kinship Navigators will assess each family’s eligibility for multiple services, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Appropriate referrals and services will be offered to each family based on the eligibility assessments. These referrals and services may include case management, support services, counseling referrals, support groups, training, etc. Qualifications for Kinship Navigators are established with input from DCBS personnel and other partners familiar with the needs of kinship providers. One (1) Kinship Navigator Supervisor will also be recruited, hired, and trained. This supervisory position will work with each of the nine (9) Kinship Navigators across the state to ensure competency, cooperation, and consistency for kinship services across the regions. Moreover, the Kinship Navigator Supervisor will work with KY-KINS leadership to ensure going training and professional development for Kinship Navigators as well as serve as a liaison between regional DCBS staff and leadership, state DCBS staff and leadership, and UK CoSW staff. Objective II: Recruit, hire, train, and certify a total of twelve (12) full-time paraprofessional peer supporters to provide structured peer support and outreach to kinship caregivers in throughout the Commonwealth. These peer supporters will provide support to all kinship caregivers including non-custodial, custodial, and fostering caregivers. Peer Supporters are trained professionals who promote positive behavior through experiential sharing, behavior modeling, goal setting, skill development, promoting self- Proposed Scope of Work University of Kentucky, College of Social Work Kentucky Kinship Information, Navigation, and Support (KY-KINS) July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028 efficacy, and fostering the development of healthy social capital. Qualifications for peer supporters have been established with input from DCBS personnel and other partners familiar with the needs of kinship providers and require 1.5 years experience as a kinship caregiver for a child in the Commonwealth. Peer supporters will take part in a rigorous kinship peer support training protocol known as Kinship Peer Supporter Certification Training. The training includes in-person, virtual, and web-based training components totally approximately 50+ hours of leadership, peer support, and kinship-specific training. Upon completion of the training, individuals will receive the Kinship Peer Supporter Certification through the UK College of Social Work’s Office of Professional Development and Continuing Education (OPDCE). This training currently meets Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities certification requirements as a family peer support training program, providing peer supporters with a state recognized certification. Additionally, as a part of this certification, peer supporters will be required to maintain 10 hours of training annually focused on peer support, behavioral or mental health, or substance use. Objective III: Foster and develop peer-to-peer relationships between kinship caregivers and paraprofessional peer supporters After a referral is received, program personnel link the regional peer supporter with the kinship caregiver/client to initiate contact and begin the intake process. During the first virtual face-to-face meeting, the peer supporter discusses program parameters and expectations with the client. After the initial meeting, the peer supporter maintains regular contact with the client. The peer supporter initiates contact with their client at least two times per week. Contact between KY-KINS peer supporters and clients may take several forms (e.g., phone calls, texts, virtual face-to-face meetings, etc.). KY-KINS utilizes a GROW coaching and mentorship model for ongoing supervision and support for KY-KINS Peer Supporters. This model allows supporters to not only receive job-specific guidance and mentorship, but also coaching and mentoring related to providing adept peer support services to kinship caregivers in Kentucky. Each peer supporter receives structured supervision for a minimum of two hours weekly from the KY-KINS Program Coordinator. Objective IV: Evaluate the impact of KY-KINS on kinship caregivers’ perceived social and professional support KY-KINS will utilize a multi-faceted, pre-experimental protocol. This protocol utilizes immediate, short and mid-term, and longitudinal evaluation procedures, and employs a mixed-method approach (i.e., use quantitative/qualitative data). Findings from the evaluation will yield results not only related to participation and satisfaction with the initiative, but the impact of KY-KINS. This evaluation plan extends beyond the fiscal year. Objective V: Strategize, develop, maintain a robust virtual support group program, meeting the identified needs of kinship populations, and creating opportunities for continued involvement and social supports Utilizing trends identified through peer support and data-identified challenges, strategize and develop virtual support groups designed to service kinship caregivers throughout the Commonwealth. These support groups will vary in duration and topic but will provide a Proposed Scope of Work University of Kentucky, College of Social Work Training Resource Center Kentucky Kinship Information, Navigation, and Support (KY-KINS) July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028 space for kinship caregivers to expand social supports while learning practical skills to impact daily caregiving. Objective VI: Develop ongoing virtual education, training, and resources easily accessible to kinship caregivers Program staff will develop an array of web-based resources including webinars and training libraries that can be accessed as needed by kinship caregivers throughout the Commonwealth, using virtual platforms and technologies. These virtual and online services will provide education and training to improve the outcomes for both kindship caregivers and the children in their care. This information and training model also provides opportunities for caregivers to interact with, and/or receive current information from, professionals serving kinship populations. Proposed Scope of Work University of Kentucky College of Social Work Medically Complex Training Program (MCTP) July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028 The Medically Complex Training Program provides initial and ongoing training as well as support to families providing care to children with complex medical needs throughout Kentucky. Foster parents working with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) and private child placing (PCP) agencies, along with DCBS and PCP staff attend Medically Complex training. Initial medically complex training includes 12 hours of content and training credit, including the following content areas required by regulation: 1. Growth and development; 2. Nutrition; 3. Documentation of provided care; 4. Medical conditions; and 5. Standards of practice related to the medically complex home type; Certification in infant, child and adult CPR and first aid is also required, along with regional approval, before a foster parent is deemed a Medically Complex Foster Parent. When conducted in a live training format, there are 36 available slots for each training. At the direction of DCBS, those slots are distributed as follows: 12 for PCP foster parents, 12 for DCBS foster parents, 5 for PCP workers, and 7 for DCBS and/or PCP foster parents who have an exception. The Medically Complex Training Program will continue to work in conjunction with the DCBS Training Branch and DCBS Division of Protection and Permanency to implement ongoing medically complex training events designed to meet the diverse training needs of the state’s medically complex foster parents. Various training topics related to the care of children designated as Medically Complex will be available for participants to choose from to meet training requirements at two conference-style events offered annually. All medically complex foster parents will be encouraged to attend these statewide training events. Make-up training will be made available utilizing web-based trainings that have been approved for use as ongoing Medically Complex training credit. Make-up training is reserved for those medically complex foster parents who are unable to attend an annual event during their renewal period and who also have a child designated as medically complex placed in their care, or with special approval from DCBS Central Office. Goal: The goal of the Medically Complex Training Program is to provide training and support to foster homes in Kentucky caring for children in out-of-home care with complex medical needs. Objective 1: Develop curricula and deliver training that provides accurate and current information to Medically Complex Foster Parents The program coordinator works closely with the DCBS Training Branch and Division of Protection and Permanency’s Medical Support Section, as well as other partners, to identify subjects that need curriculum development and/or training delivery. The need for curriculum development or training topics is further identified by surveying current medically complex foster parents. All training material is researched and checked for accuracy and/or presented by experts in their respective fields. This includes consultation with the Medical Support Section and partners in the medical community. Objective 2: Coordinate and schedule statewide trainings The Program Coordinator works closely with DCBS to determine training topics utilized in the statewide