DJJ- High Acuity Mental Health Treatment Model

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), is requesting information on planning, development, and delivery of a high-acuity mental health treatment model for juveniles in secure custody, with RFI responses due July 15, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. ET.

The scope addresses a proposed 38,700 gross square foot secure residential treatment facility with 24 beds (16 psychiatric and 8 stabilization/assessment) serving youth with diagnosed severe mental illness requiring inpatient psychiatric care and those with severe behavioral issues without primary psychiatric diagnoses. Two potential sites under evaluation are Lyndon and Fayette Regional Juvenile Detention Centers. The Commonwealth solicits vendor input on four operational and ownership structures: Commonwealth ownership and DJJ management with contracted medical services; Commonwealth ownership with DJJ and private healthcare provider co-management; private ownership and operation with DJJ security support; or alternative delivery models. Healthcare providers must demonstrate qualification for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement, including prospective payment system rates or equivalent methodologies.

Preliminary cost estimates based on 2024 dollars indicate facility construction costs of approximately $24.75 million, escalating to $34.75 million with 4% annual escalation over two years and 30% project cost factor. The Commonwealth emphasizes all cost information is preliminary and for discussion only. Funding for design and construction was not included in the 2026 enacted budget, and no established target milestones or deadlines have been set.

Respondents should address firm qualifications and experience with evidence-based high-acuity behavioral health services; Medicaid reimbursement expertise; estimated daily per-youth costs; cost-effectiveness analyses; service delivery models; data collection and performance metrics; facility staffing timelines; and alternative approaches to facility design or service delivery. This RFI does not constitute a commitment to issue future bids or contracts. Responses are subject to Kentucky Open Records Law. Questions submitted prior to the June 19, 2026 deadline received Commonwealth responses in Addendum 1. Contact: Sara Briggs, DJJ, 502-892-3597.