16 Jan KidsTLC Receives $59,617 Grant from the United Community Services of Johnson County, Alcohol Tax Fund
KidsTLC recently received a $59,617 grant from the Alcohol Tax Fund to support their residential drug and alcohol program. KidsTLC’s residential drug and alcohol program addresses the pervasive issues of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in adolescents by providing comprehensive, integrated treatment, preventing the dire consequences of substance misuse, and promoting positive social outcomes.
The grant from the Alcohol Tax Fund will fund a full-time substance use therapist to deliver individual and group therapy to youth aged 13 and above with identified substance use issues at admission, ensuring comprehensive treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
The grant addresses the critical need to combat the alarming rates of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in adolescents, as up to 45% of young individuals with mental health disorders also have a substance use disorder. By offering integrated treatment, KidsTLC aims to break the cycle of self-medication and substance misuse, preventing the myriad consequences such as academic struggles, health issues, and involvement with the juvenile justice system. The program aligns with the ATF’s priorities by fulfilling the principal purpose of providing treatment to individuals at risk of becoming alcoholics or drug abusers. With a focus on prevention, and intervention the grant supports the delivery of comprehensive services that integrate mental health and substance use treatment, reducing the strain on local economies caused by the consequences of substance misuse. Coordination with stakeholders and collaborative efforts with other organizations further enhance the program’s efficacy, ensuring a holistic approach to address the complex needs of the youth served by KidsTLC.
KidsTLC’s continuum of care includes both residential and outpatient mental health and autism programs that help children heal through innovative treatment philosophies. KidsTLC’s programs include: (1) The 111-bed Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) serving children who have been victims of intense traumatic experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or family disruption, and/or are diagnosed with one or more mental illnesses (this program houses the residential drug and alcohol program-this request); (2) The Lotus Clinic provides specialized outpatient mental/behavioral health care and an intensive outpatient program; (3) The Trellis Center provides autism services using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, as well as occupational and speech therapy; and (4) Thriving Communities supports families through parent education/peer mentor/support classes and resource navigation.
KidsTLC’s residential drug and alcohol program primarily serves children aged 13-18 who have been admitted to the PRTF program, diagnosed with one or more mental illnesses, and exhibit co-occurring substance use. The program prioritizes family involvement and aims to remove financial barriers, ensuring that all families, regardless of their ability to pay, have access to critical services. In a state where residential services are diminishing, this program goes beyond regulatory requirements to deliver high-quality, comprehensive care. By co-locating substance use treatment within the PRTF, families are spared the challenge of navigating multiple service providers, promoting more efficient and effective care.