When Kentucky introduced the Community Health for Improved Lives and Development (CHILD) Waiver, it marked a practical step forward for youth and families across the commonwealth managing complex needs.
Developed between the Department for Medicaid Services and the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, this 1915(c) Home and Community Based Services waiver was created to keep young people safe, healthy, and supported within their own homes and local communities — instead of institutional settings.
At Community Inclusion, we made the commitment early on to be one of the few provider agencies in Kentucky equipped to deliver these services.
Working alongside the state during the rollout of a new waiver takes patience and collaboration. We have appreciated the opportunity to walk with state partners, case managers, and families as these supports move from initial guidelines into practical, daily assistance.
Did You Know?
- Target Population: The waiver supports youth from birth through age 21 diagnosed with autism, intellectual or developmental disabilities, or serious emotional disturbance who meet hospital or intermediate care facility levels of care.
- Child-Only Income Consideration: Financial eligibility looks only at the child's income. Parent and household income is not counted, which removes a major hurdle for families seeking support.
- Priority Populations: The waiver launched with 100 slots and prioritizes children facing acute instability — including youth experiencing homelessness, children with multiple foster placements or repeated law enforcement contacts related to disability needs, and those preparing to discharge from psychiatric hospitals or facilities within 45 days.
- Limited Agency Availability: Because these cases require coordinated daily staffing and clinical care, only a small number of agencies across Kentucky currently support the CHILD Waiver.
Where We Are Helping
Our approach brings three key areas of support together under one roof:
Direct Support Professionals
Our direct support staff work directly with youth in their home and community environments. They provide hands-on help with daily routines, emotional regulation, and social skills so young people can build independence where they actually live.
Case Management
Coordinating multiple state systems, schools, and health providers can quickly overwhelm a family. Our case managers help keep everyone aligned, track goals, and make sure the individual plan fits the young person's real situation.
Therapeutic Services
Our licensed therapists offer outpatient behavioral health and clinical care tailored to complex needs and trauma, giving youth and their caregivers consistent strategies to handle distress.
Building Support Together
Starting any new waiver requires learning together as providers, state staff, and advocates. We appreciate being part of that process in Kentucky and helping build a reliable foundation for the families who rely on it.
If you are a case manager, care coordinator, or family navigating the CHILD Waiver process, we are always open to connecting and discussing how our team can support you.
Helpful Resources
- Official Kentucky CHILD Waiver Program Details — Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
- How to Apply for Kentucky 1915(c) Waiver Services — Step-by-step application guide (PDF)
- Apply for Medicaid and Community Benefits via kynect — Kentucky's benefits portal