Emory Valley Center proposes a school-aged prevention and early-intervention initiative for youth with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) and special needs who are at increased risk for adverse childhood experiences, emotional dysregulation, and later substance use. This initiative builds on EVC’s established expertise in disability support services and behavioral health by creating a coordinated prevention approach tailored to people with I/DD, rather than adapting models designed for the general population. Using trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches supported by the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed, the proposal will address social-emotional learning, family education, and early mental health supports delivered in school and community settings. By identifying concerns earlier, strengthening the knowledge and confidence of families and staff, and creating clearer pathways to support, the intent is to respond sooner and reduce reliance on emergency or inpatient care.

During the implementation phase, EVC anticipates the capacity to reach 25 to 50 school-age youth with I/DD, who are at risk of substance misuse. However, a major focus is to educate and train up to 100 parents/caregivers, school personnel, community groups, and addiction treatment providers on prevention strategies for this unique population, with emphasis on Anderson and Knox counties. Key partners include youth and families, juvenile justice diversion, school personnel, behavioral health providers, and local prevention organizations.

Phase I activities: 1) visiting and learning from other programs that provide prevention programs and addiction treatment for youth with I/DD, 2) NADD staff training, 3) community education, 4) data collection and community assessments, and 5) travel.

Young adults aging out of foster care face some of the most vulnerable transitions into adulthood. In Knox County, youth exiting care often do so without consistent family support, stable housing history, or reliable access to mental health services. As a result, they are at heightened risk for housing instability, untreated trauma, unemployment, and crisis involvement. While transitional housing models provide critical stability, housing alone does not address the emotional and relational needs that determine whether young people can sustain independence.