DJJ- High Acuity Mental Health Treatment Model

Background

The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is seeking input through a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the planning, development, and delivery of high-acuity mental health treatment services for juveniles. This initiative is directed by the 2026 Regular Session House Bill 500, which mandates DJJ to assess feasibility and gather insights that may enhance future design processes and service delivery models. DJJ's mission includes prevention programs for at-risk youths, court intake, probation services, and treatment placements. The agency currently operates multiple youth detention centers and is transitioning to a regional model of detention as stipulated by Senate Bill 162.

Work Details

The RFI seeks information on the development of a secure residential treatment facility capable of providing inpatient psychiatric care for juveniles with high acuity mental health needs. The facility will serve youth exhibiting severe aggressive behavior requiring stabilization outside traditional detention settings. Key components include: 1. A secure treatment unit for high acuity youth with diagnosed mental illnesses. 2. A stabilization unit for youth needing intensive programming without primary psychiatric diagnoses. 3. Compliance with clinical treatment requirements and regulatory accreditation criteria. 4. A proposed facility size of approximately 38,700 gross square feet with outdoor space and parking. 5. Estimated project costs around $34,750,000 considering future inflation and contingencies.

Period of Performance

The RFI was issued on May 29, 2026, with responses due by July 15, 2026.

Place of Performance

The facility is proposed to be located in Kentucky, specifically evaluated at potential sites including the Lyndon or Fayette Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

Bidder Requirements

Vendors responding to the RFI should provide firm information including company history, experience in high acuity behavioral health services, Medicaid reimbursement qualifications, operational capacity details, cost-effectiveness strategies, and proposed service delivery models.