A System of Care is a coordinated network of community-based services and supports organized to meet the challenges of youth with serious mental health needs and their families. Families and youth work in partnership with public and private organizations to design mental health services and supports that are effective, that build on the strengths of individuals, and that address each person’s cultural and linguistic needs.

Systems of Care, which have been established in nearly 100 communities nationwide, have a strong track record of increasing school performance while decreasing suicide attempts, juvenile justice involvement, and the need for residential treatment.

In other words, Systems of Care help youth remain at home, in school, and out of trouble.

Nearly 100 System of Care communities have been established nationwide. Tennessee has established Systems of Care in Nashville, Columbia, and Memphis. K-Town Youth Empowerment Network is the only System of Care in Tennessee that focuses specifically on the needs of transition-age youth.

National Outcomes for Systems of Care:

• School suspensions and expulsions decreased by 44%.
• Achievement of passing grades increased by 31%.
• Youth reported significantly lower levels of depression (22%).
• Youth suicide attempts were reduced by more than two-thirds.
• Youth self-reports of arrest dropped from 27% to 11%.

*Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Center for Mental Health Services.