Explanation/Clarification of Terms
Disability: an emotional, social, behavioral, and/or substance use disability that is defined in the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM).

State-funded Services: To qualify for the position of Kentucky Youth Peer Support Specialist (KYPSS), there must be or have been a connection between the youth’s disability/diagnosis and receipt of at least one state-funded service.

Examples of state- funded services include: Kentucky IMPACT, Special Education Services, Court Designated Worker or Public Defender, services offered through a Community Mental Health Center, private child care, crisis stabilization units, or residential treatment program.

These services could be provided from a variety of child-serving agencies such as: Administrative Office of the Courts; Department for Juvenile Justice; Department of Education; Department for Public Health; Department for Community Based Services; Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities; Family Resource or Youth Services Centers.