C1.10 Targeted Assessment Program (TAP)

Introduction

​​​​​​The University of Kentucky (UK) Targeted Assessment Program (TAP) provides comprehensive assessment and intensive case management services to parents facing challenges with stability.  TAP provides services to parents who are involved in Kentucky’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program through the Division of Family Support (DFS) or the child welfare system through the Division of Protection and Permanency (DPP). Services are geared toward parents who are experiencing barriers to self-sufficiency and stability, including mental health issues, substance use disorders, intimate partner violence, learning problems, disabilities, or deficits. Participants must also have an income below two hundred (200%) percent of the federal poverty level and a child younger than age eighteen (18). TAP staff use motivational interviewing and strengths-based case management to assist participants with obtaining mental health and substance use disorder treatment as needed, refer them to other services and treatment programs when needed, and support their follow-through with services. TAP staff also help participants address barriers to engaging in services such as lack of child care, transportation, food, clothing, housing, utilities, and medical care. TAP specialists are typically located within the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) offices and provide services in forty-seven (47) counties.  ​​

Practice Guidance

Procedure


Division of Prevention and Community Wellbeing (DPCW) Staff: 
  1. Work collaboratively with DFS, DPP, and the Division of Service Regions (DSR) to ensure TAP services are an integral part of the comprehensive continuum of prevention services;
  2. Utilize data related to the usage and effectiveness of TAP to inform decisions about future program expansion as funds are available; 
  3. Provide technical assistance to staff and community partners on accessing TAP services and availability. 
The SSW: 
  1. Refers eligible families to the TAP program;
  2. Coordinates the intake for the family with the TAP specialist;
  3. Provides all necessary information to the TAP specialist to complete the assessment and provide services to the family;
  4. Contacts DPCW for information about resources available in local areas if unknown.


Revisions