Child & Family Assistance Resources in Kentucky

Kentucky families facing hardship have access to a broad network of state and federally funded programs covering food, health coverage, housing stability, crisis intervention, and child welfare. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) is the central state agency overseeing most of these programs, and its local offices—found in every county—are often the best first stop for families who aren't sure where to begin.

If you're unsure which programs you or your family qualify for, calling 2-1-1 Kentucky (dial 2-1-1) connects you with a trained specialist who can identify local and statewide resources for food, utilities, shelter, childcare, and more—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many families are eligible for multiple programs at once, so don't hesitate to ask about everything you need.

For urgent safety concerns—including domestic violence, child abuse, or mental health crises—immediate help is available around the clock through dedicated hotlines listed below. Kentucky also has a strong network of Area Agencies on Aging and community action agencies that can assist families caring for elderly relatives alongside young children.