Family Resource & Youth Services History 

What is KERA?

KERA is the Kentucky Educational Reform Act

Enacted in 1990 as a result of a declaration that Kentucky’s education system was deemed unconstitutional.

Family Resource and Youth Services Centers were just one of the components set up to address this issue.

Currently, FRYSC are the only remaining part of KERA that is still intact in its original form.

Mission Statement

To enhance students’ ability to succeed in school by developing and sustaining partnerships that promote:

• Early learning and successful transition to school;

• Academic achievement and well-being; and 

• Graduation and transition into adult life.

FRYSC Vision

The Kentucky Division of Family Resource and Youth Services Centers in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services shall sustain the national standard of excellence in the provision of school-based family support through continuous quality improvement.

More than 850 Family Resource and Youth Services Centers provide services to Kentucky children, youth and families in approximately 1,200 schools.  Programs and services may address kindergarten readiness, successful transitions to school and adult life, parent engagement, student achievement and well-being.  FRYSCs collaborate in the community to promote physical and mental health for families and students as well as opportunities for families to learn together in safe environments.  For a closer look at how FRYSC programs and services impact students and families, see FRYSC Impact Report Spotlight files under Additional Information at right. 

FACTS AND FIGURES

Number of Centers:
854

Number of Family Resource Centers (FRC):
442 (FRCs Serve Elementary)

Number of Youth Services Centers (YSC):
296 (YSCs Serve Middle/High School)

Number of Combined Centers:
116 (FRYSCs Serve Elem. thru High School)

Number of Schools Served:
1,217 or approximately 98% of eligible schools (schools where 20% of enrolled students are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals)

Number of Students Enrolled in Schools Served by FRYSC:
642,156

Family Resource Centers serve children under school age and in elementary school and coordinate:
* Preschool child care;
* After-school child day care;
* Families in training;
* Family literacy services; and,
* Health services and referrals.

Youth Services Centers serve students in middle and high school and coordinate:
* Referrals to health and social services;
* Career exploration and development;
* Summer and part-time job development (high school only);
* Substance abuse education and counseling; and
* Family crisis and mental health counseling.