Family Service & Guidance Center and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) have entered into an agreement to provide expanded crisis services, including substance use treatment.
KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said, “This agreement raises the bar and allows us to move forward with the goal of providing immediate access to care in a safe, therapeutic environment and we believe our work with Family Service & Guidance Center is significant in reaching the program goals and outcomes we have set.”
KDADS has awarded FSGC $312,500 over the next 15 months with potential for yearly funding extensions using monies from Lottery Vending Machine revenue. FSGC will use the funds to expand their crisis service’s capacity as well as recruit staff members who are cross-trained in mental health care and substance use disorder treatment.
The vast majority of substance use treatment providers only treat adults. In addition, many are not licensed as mental health professionals. An integrated approach in which one professional treats substance use disorders and mental health issues gives a teen the best opportunity for positive, long-lasting treatment outcomes.
Crisis services like those at FSGC are key to minimize family disruption and reduce the need for placement into residential treatment facilities or foster care due to a behavioral health crisis.
“We are deeply appreciative of the support from KDADS so we can further our mission,” said Brenda Mills. “The number of children struggling with mental health and substance use disorders continues to grow. Expanding our crisis program will help meet this challenge by allowing us to implement a more comprehensive program tailored to meet these pressing needs.”