KVC History
VISION: Providing leadership in behavioral healthcare, social services and professional education through the provision of service delivery models with proven quality and fiscal accountability.
KVC began its rich history of providing children and family services when the agency first opened its doors as a private, not-for-profit 501(c) 3 organization in 1970. President and CEO, B. Wayne Sims, took the helm of the organization in 1980 with philosophies such as, “What would you want for your child?” and “There is no magic answer down the street." Mr. Sims began to work with community leaders to identify needs and fill gaps in services. From 1980 to 1995, KVC grew to represent one of the strongest child welfare and behavioral healthcare continuums of care in the nation, allowing KVC to meet the needs of any child and family requiring behavioral health treatment, no matter how significant. KVC adopted a philosophy of “no reject-no eject” admissions, representing the intent not to turn a child or family away. Far too often, because their needs appear too severe, children are referred for treatment far away from their homes, often out of state. Instead, KVC has emphasized continual research and education, often drawing upon national experts and evidence based practices, in its effort to serve all children and families. Many KVC service contracts today employ a specific “no reject-no eject” clause.
KVC’s work and success in child welfare has not gone unnoticed. In 2008, the Annie E. Casey Foundation completed a journalistic review of KVC’s work in Kansas child welfare as a national best practice model.
In 2000, a representative from the West Virginia’s Attorney General’s office approached KVC to explore its interest in assuming responsibility for the management of a large organization in its state. West Virginia was at risk of losing a local provider providing In-Home Therapy services to over 2000 children per day across the state. KVC’s “lessons learned” in Kansas had increased its appreciation for strong, community-based mental health services to keep children and families together safely. KVC entered the state with great sensitivity to long-standing, local service providers and through strong communications and transparency, very quickly helped create a spirit of cooperation and trust. KVC has successfully provided In-Home Therapy across much of West Virginia since that time and has continually increased its work to recruit, license, train and support local foster families as well.
In 2006, KVC was approached by leadership from the Independence School District of Missouri (ISD) to partner on the development of an innovative service delivery model. KVC, as the community-based provider, linked with the Missouri Department of Social Services and the school district to provide intensive School-Based and In-Home Family Therapy to children at risk of removal from their homes and referral to foster care. KVC was sought out after local providers were either unable or unwilling to respond to the community needs identified by ISD. “We approached KVC because of its excellent reputation. We have found a very progressive, open-minded organization willing to form a partnership with us to help the children and families in our district,” said Dr. Jim Hinson, Superintendent of Schools (ISD). KVC leadership joined Dr. Hinson in Washington, D. C. as he received national recognition for innovation in education for this initiative. This initiative was noted by Central School District as well, and similar services were expanded into this district in 2009.
Also in 2006, the Kansas Department of
KVC has learned many lessons about effective treatment and case management and has continually expanded upon its depth of leadership and staff. In July 2008, with the support of an entrepreneurial and visionary Board of Directors, the KVC structure was modified into one that promotes continued growth with quality and fiscal accountability, while effectively managing risk. KVC transitioned to this new management structure on July 1, 2008, resulting in the creation of the parent corporation, KVC Health Systems, Inc., providing administrative services support to subsidiary organizations providing services in numerous states. KVC Real Estate Holdings, Inc. and KVC Foundation, Inc. serve as support organizations. Subsidiary organizations include: KVC Hospitals, Inc., KVC Behavioral HealthCare, Inc., KVC Behavioral HealthCare Kentucky, Inc., KVC Behavioral HealthCare Nebraska, Inc., and KVC Behavioral HealthCare West Virginia, Inc. All entities work together under a common vision and mission to enrich and enhance the lives of children and families.
In 2009, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) initiated a reform of its child welfare system, and KVC was awarded contracts in a 19-county area surrounding Omaha and Lincoln. This initiative incorporates service coordination from the point that a child/family has contact with DHHS and continues through the provision of in homes services and, if necessary, through the achievement of permanency (reunification, adoption, guardianship, independent living.) In addition, a full year of Aftercare is provided to ensure lasting safety and stability.
Also, in 2009, KVC became acquainted with the therapeutic services of Croney and Clark in eastern Kentucky. Owned and operated by Elizabeth (Liz) Croney and her husband, Dr. Jim Clark, for over a decade, Croney and Clark have enjoyed a strong reputation as a provider of high quality In-Home Therapy and Diversion services. These services are very similar to those KVC has provided since 2001 just across the state line in West Virginia. Late in 2009, KVC acquired this organization and continued with expansion of these existing services further across eastern Kentucky. In addition, the recruitment, licensing and training of therapeutic foster families in eastern Kentucky were initiated during 2009 as well.
KVC’s pride in its past is equal to its commitment to the future by providing quality and innovative services to children and families.