Department for Community Based Services

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​DCBS Facebook Page
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​ ​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) administers prorams through nine service regions, with offices serving all 120 Kentucky counties. In addition, the agency uses a network of contracted officials to deliver services such as child care. Service is enhanced through a close relationship and coordination with community partners.

The department provides family support, child care, and child and adult protection services. It also determines eligibility ​for Medicaid and food benefits and administers an ​energy cost-assistance program.

The agency overseess the state foster care and adoption systems and recruits and trains parents to care for the state's children who are waiting for a permanent home.

With offices in every county, the department provides services and programs to enhance the self-sufficiency of families, improve safety and permanency for children and vulnerable adults, and engage families and community partners in a collaborative decision-making process.

The department was established in 1998 within the Cabinet for Families and Children to give local offices greater decision-making authority and the abilit​y to collaborate more effectively with community service providers.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Administrative Regulation Notice

​Administrative Regulations Notice - February 2026

DCBS Jobs

The Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) has multiple job openings in its offices across the state so you can be a part of our agency's transformation and our work to make a difference for all Kentuckians.​

Learn more about jobs at DCBS

Additional Information

Resources