The System of Care (SOC) Academy, convened annually by the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID) and partners, is designed 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.

Continuing the tradition established in 2020, the 2026 SOC Academy will once again be hosted as a virtual event to reach a broader audience and provide expanded access to valuable content. Looking ahead, the DBHDID is excited to announce that the 2027​ SOC Academy will return to an in-person event designed to foster meaningful connections, provide dedicated time for professional development, and offer collaborative learning. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with subject matter experts, connect with peers, and enhance professional skills in a face-to-face setting.

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.​