Webinar Overview

Beth Casarjian - The Lionheart Foundation

Kelli Root - Kentucky DCBS

Rashmi Brown - CHES Solutions

James Wade - Maryhurst

It is increasingly understood that creating transformational and healing spaces for youth is deeply tied to how well we apply the same trauma-informed principles to the practices, resources, and support we offer our direct care workforce. Post-COVID, residential agencies in the state of Kentucky faced notable levels of staff burnout, challenges with retention, and elevated staff and youth critical incidents. In 2024, leveraging their existing partnership with CHES Solutions Group which spearheaded the BBI Collaborative Cohort Initiative across the state of KY, leadership at The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department of Community Based Services (DCBS), Division of Protection and Permanency (DPP) initiated a multi-year program to support the well-being of staff in residential settings.

The proposed presentation will share a highly innovative model of cross-sector partnership, including Kentucky’s state child-welfare system, two private, child welfare non-profits, and 23 private residential providers to deliver EQ2, a workforce wellness and support program, state-wide. Developed by The Lionheart Foundation, EQ2 is a trauma-informed, self-regulation program specifically created to support direct care staff working with trauma-exposed youth in residential settings. EQ2 helps staff in building the fundamental self-awareness and self-regulation skills required to deliver TIC, while providing access to resources shown to buffer individuals from secondary traumatic stress, burnout, and turnover.

This presentation will explore how the EQ2 KY residential cohorts were created and buy-in was built, offer an overview of the EQ2 state-wide onboarding and implementation approach, and share successes, challenges, and insights gained from a large-scale implementation across a highly diverse state. In addition to leaders from The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Human Services, CHES Solutions Group, and The Lionheart Foundation, the lead EQ2 facilitator from one of the 23 participating residential agencies, Maryhurst, will share the impact of the project on staff and youth in the agency.

Attendance Certificates Available

*Must watch webinar LIVE to receive Certificate

*Each individual requesting a Certificate, must be registered and logged in to zoom under their own name

If you have questions, please email Amanda.