Targeted Assessment Program - Kentucky Equal …

1 University of Kentucky Targeted Assessment Program The Targeted Assessment Program (TAP) is the result of a productive collaboration of more than a decade between the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) and the University of Kentucky Center on Drug and Alcohol Research. Beginning as a pilot project in 1999, TAP has been expanded seven times since inception. The Program s successful implementation is ensured by TAP administrative staff and faculty and 58 Targeted Assessment Specialists. TAP co-locates these Specialists full time, at DCBS Division of Family Support and the Division of Protection and Permanency offices in 33 Kentucky counties designated by CHFS/DCBS: Barren, Boone, Boyd, Breathitt, Campbell, Christian, Daviess, Fayette, Floyd, Hardin, Henderson, Hopkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Kenton, Knott, Laurel, Lee, Letcher, McCracken, McLean, Madison, Magoffin, Martin, Muhlenberg, Nelson, Ohio, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Pulaski, Rowan, and Warren.

2 The Cabinet initiated the TAP to assess individuals who have barriers that are likely to impede their transition from welfare to work and/or interfere with parental responsibilities. The TAP Specialists provide Assessment , referral, pre-treatment, service coordination and follow-up services focused on identifying and addressing the substance use disorders, mental health disorders, intimate partner violence, learning disabilities/deficits, and other barriers negatively impacting these parents and their children. The Specialists are also available to provide consultation and training to case managers and other staff when requested in order to enhance the agency's over-all skills in identifying and addressing these formidable and often stigmatizing barriers. Recognizing the complexity of the problems that these families face, the foundation of TAP services is holistic Assessment .

3 The goal of Assessment is to capture a spectrum of barriers to self-sufficiency and determine how they interact. Assessment questions are taken from a variety of tools, including the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for mental illnesses and substance abuse and dependence, the Addiction Severity Index- Female Version, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Conflict Tactics Scale, the Washington Learning Needs Screening Tool, and others. The TAP Specialists also assess for medical and legal problems and difficulties with housing, transportation, and child-care. The Specialists submit summary reports of their Assessment impressions and recommendations for ongoing services and then work with the client and case manager/case worker to facilitate appropriate referrals and assist with client engagement and follow-through. The Specialists also submit monthly updates to the DCBS referral source.

4 Throughout all phases of work with clients, TAP utilizes evidence-based interventions such as Motivational Interviewing and Strengths-Based Case Management that have been shown to be effective with this population. The TAP model also relies heavily on collaboration with multiple service systems, building relationships with service providers on behalf of DCBS clients, fostering coordinated, collaborative care whenever possible. Multidisciplinary advisory councils and other community collaboration groups are established in TAP sites to assist in Program planning and staff hiring, and to provide ongoing support and input to ensure the Program 's effectiveness and continuous improvement. By identifying and addressing problems in the referral processes or service delivery systems, these community groups help improve linkages and service delivery among all the interacting agencies.

5 To be eligible for TAP services, clients must receive or be eligible for TANF/ Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP) benefits, with at least one dependent child and a family income at or below 200% of the poverty level. In addition to meeting income requirements, Division of Protection and Permanency clients must have a child in the home or a plan for reunification. The dependent child/ren must be related by blood, adoption, or marriage. The majority of clients are referred by DCBS case managers and case workers, but community partners may also refer. For more information, please contact: Barbara Ramlow, Program Director, Targeted Assessment Program , 1517 Nicholasville Road, Suite 402, Lexington, KY 40503, (859) 257-6441.