Building Resilient Futures, One Student at a Time.
Grant Partner Hubs
At STARS, we believe in the power of collaboration. Through strong partnerships and grant-funded initiatives, we are able to expand our reach, strengthen systems, and create meaningful impact for youth, families, and communities across Kentucky. Our Grant Partner Hubs serve as dedicated spaces where partners, stakeholders, and community members can access project information, training resources, and updates.
Through support from the Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence, STARS is expanding trauma-informed programming for justice-involved youth in Louisville. This grant allows us to provide training, materials, and evaluation support that strengthen resilience, build coping skills, and foster healthier outcomes for young people and their families.
With support from the Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence, STARS partners with Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) to expand trauma-informed programming for students. This grant provides training, materials, and evaluation support to strengthen resilience, enhance coping skills, and promote positive outcomes for JCPS youth. Documents provided in this hub are specific to JCPS Mental Health Practitioners working directly with students using the Mind Matters curriculum.
Family Recovery Court
The Family Recovery Court (FRC) initiative supports parents and families navigating the intersection of substance use and child welfare involvement. Through intensive case management, peer support, and coordinated access to treatment and recovery services, the program helps families stabilize, strengthen relationships, and work toward reunification.
As a partner in this effort, the Center for Family and Community Well-Being provides training, technical assistance, and evaluation support to enhance implementation fidelity and long-term impact. Together, we aim to break cycles of addiction, promote family healing, and create pathways to lasting recovery and well-being.
The Social Determinants of Health
The Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) initiative equips child welfare professionals with the knowledge and tools to understand how factors such as housing, education, income, and community environments impact family well-being. Through this statewide training effort, the Center for Family and Community Well-Being partners with the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) to strengthen staff capacity and promote equitable outcomes for children and families.
By integrating evidence-based practices and real-world application, the SDOH initiative helps participants identify systemic barriers, foster cross-sector collaboration, and advance a more holistic approach to family support and stability.
Structured Decision Making
The Structured Decision Making (SDM) initiative strengthens Kentucky’s child welfare system by promoting consistent, equitable, and data-informed decision-making. Through this grant, the Center for Family and Community Well-Being partners with the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) to support the implementation, training, and evaluation of SDM tools across the state.
This evidence-based framework helps caseworkers assess risk, safety, and family needs using objective criteria—ensuring that decisions are guided by data and best practices rather than bias or subjectivity. Together, we aim to improve accuracy, fairness, and outcomes for children and families while enhancing accountability and confidence in the child welfare process.