System of Care Academy

The System of Care (SOC) Academy is convened annually by the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID) and partners. In 2024, the SOC Academy celebrated its 10th anniversary with a virtual event hosted by DBHDID and Mental Health America of Kentucky.

Each year, DBHDID convenes the SOC Academy to strengthen Kentucky’s system of care (see Related Links) for children, transition-age youth, and their families. Since 2014, the Academy has prioritized themes such as promoting equity; reducing health disparities; collaboration among interagency state and community partners; prevention, early intervention, and treatment; building resilient youth, families and communities; and KY’s response to the opioid epidemic.

From 2020 – 2024, the SOC Academy was offered as a virtual event to reach a broader audience and provide expanded access to valuable content. The DBHDID is excited to announce the 2025 SOC Academy will return to an in-person event designed to foster meaningful connections and provide dedicated time for professional growth. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts, collaborate with peers, and enhance professional skills.

The SOC Academy serves a diverse audience that includes advocates, clinicians, case managers, prevention specialists, peer support specialists, educators, faith-based leaders, psychologist/psychiatrists, child care providers, families and youth with lived mental health experience, and staff from Family Resource and Youth Services Centers, juvenile justice, family and juvenile services, community-based services, child welfare, and public health, as well as interested community members, and more.

Continuing education units will be available pending licensure board approvals. American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be available upon request.

To request more information, click on the "Contact Us" link in the Contact Information box.