KVC is proud to work with a wide range of international, national and local partners. By collaborating, we can leverage the best ideas and maximize resources in order to enrich and enhance the lives of thousands more children and families.

Trauma Systems Therapy partnership with NYU

After significant and thorough research, KVC selected Trauma Systems Therapy (TST) as the treatment approach best suited to the populations and communities we serve. KVC’s adaptation of TST to child welfare, through a six-year partnership with its developer, Dr. Glenn Saxe, Chair of the NYU Department of Child Psychiatry and Director of the NYU Child Study Center, has been a ‘game changer’ for KVC. It has led to KVC’s expertise in adapting TST training, including the development of manuals to support training for therapists (inpatient and outpatient), direct care staff, case managers, foster families and community stakeholders. KVC’s expertise in addressing trauma experienced by children before they enter foster care is just one example of KVC providing leadership in its field.

Wayne Sims of KVC and Dr. Glenn Saxe of NYU at the NYU Child Study Center

TST is a key component of KVC’s model. KVC Health Systems’ leadership is routinely approached with requests for consultation from state agencies, private providers, and international child welfare representatives on how to improve their child welfare systems as well as for training in its proven practices, such as TST, to address long-term wellbeing. KVC’s CEO, Wayne Sims, is often asked to present in national forums, representing leadership from the field, to influence national policy.

In 2013, NYU Langone Medical Center and KVC Health Systems collaborated to create the NYU Langone Medical Center & KVC Midwest Trauma Training Center. The Center is designed to serve youth and families in the Midwest by training psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, early childhood program administrators, educators, counselors, therapists, law enforcement, juvenile justice staff, nurses and anyone serving individuals who have experienced traumatic events.

Partnership with Annie E. Casey Foundation

In 2008, the Annie E. Casey Foundation named KVC as a national “best practice” organization. The Annie E. Casey Foundation is one of the premier philanthropic organizations in the country whose mission is to help build better futures for disadvantaged children and families.

Wayne Sims of KVC and Dr. Patrick McCarthy of the Annie E. Casey Foundation

Currently, KVC is partnering with Dr. Saxe, the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Child Trends to complete research on using Trauma Systems Therapy as a mechanism to reduce length of time in out-of-home care, increase placement stability and improve child and family wellbeing for children in the child welfare system.

There are dozens more organizations with which KVC partners to achieve its mission. Check back to see new partnership summaries as they are added.