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1. Where is the program located?

We are located in the Midtown medical district area at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Despite the pandemic, we are still providing most of our services to the community. Please call us at 901-448-4200 to discuss our referral process or to access our services.

2. Who qualifies for the program?

Young people 21 and under and their families who are experiencing challenges such as:

• mental health and trauma-related issues
• challenges in accessing mental health services
• disruptive behaviors (home, school, community)
• bullying and other violence (home, school, community)
• classroom disruptions
• suspensions
• expulsions
• at-risk for out of home placement due to interaction with juvenile justice or child welfare systems

3. What services are provided?

We work with families and community partners to coordinate and refer to community-based services such as mental health evaluations, therapy, medication management, specialized trauma care, youth and family support groups, and natural community supports including schools, community, and faith organizations that provide resources for daily needs. A unique component of our program is the family support specialist (FSS) role. FSS is a specially trained peer support individual offering hope, support, guidance, and advocacy for parents and caregivers trying to navigate the children’s mental health system.

4. What is a Family Support Specialist?

A unique component of SCN is the commitment to family-driven care as the basis for each intervention. This is demonstrated through the support for family support specialists (FSS), a peer-driven support service that offers hope, guidance, and advocacy for parents and caregivers

trying to navigate the children’s mental health system. FSSs deliver peer support through support groups, phone calls, or individual meetings. They bring expertise based on their own experiences with their children, as well as specialized training that creates a pathway to sustainable employment for those interested in working in the system as staff in provider agencies, as members of the team offering support to parents and caregivers. The specialized training is provided by the state of Tennessee and offers scholarships for those seeking certification. Once certified, an FSS’s services are Medicaid reimbursable and will serve as an entry-level behavioral health position within the provider community.

5. What does the SOC for children’s mental health in Shelby County look like?

The System of Care (SOC) model, unlike traditional mental health programs, is a family-driven, youth-guided, “no wrong door” approach with community-based care that is individualized, strength-based, and tailored to the language and cultural needs of the family. SOC is a value-based approach to providing children’s mental health services. It is also culturally and linguistically competent. The SOC foundation in the Shelby Connects Network is based on Shelby County resources, which allows us to address specific needs of Shelby County youth and families. Additionally, the SOC foundation serves as the model for all programs within the Center and for our expanding provider networks.

6. Who can refer to the program?

Referrals can be made by parents, guardians, youth, school administrators, faculty, staff, community members, and community partners.

7. How can referrals be made to the program?

Referrals can be made by clicking this link - Request for Assistance. If you would like to contact us by phone, please contact Beverly Davis at 901-448-4200.