The FAYS Program
Family & Youth Success Program
Free, voluntary, short-term counseling and family support for children, youth, and families across 14 Texas Hill Country counties.
What is FAYS?
FAYS stands for Family & Youth Success Program. K'STAR's FAYS Program provides free, voluntary, short-term counseling and family support for children, youth, and families experiencing emotional and mental health needs.
FAYS counselors are qualified professionals with degrees in related fields and experience working with children and families. Services are skills-based, focused on helping families build tools for long-term success — not crisis management alone.
Who We Serve
- Families experiencing emotional or mental health needs
- Children and youth ages 5–17
- Youth experiencing school elopement or truancy
- Families navigating any challenging dynamic
Services Offered
- Individual counseling
- Family counseling
- Short-term free counseling
- Parenting classes
- Crisis support and referrals
- Community resource connections
How to Request Services
There are three ways families and community professionals can connect with the FAYS Program. In all cases, a counselor will follow up within 2 business days to schedule an intake appointment.
Families — Call Us Directly
Call our office at (830) 896-5404 and share a little information about your situation. A FAYS counselor will reach out within 2 business days to set up an appointment for paperwork. You may leave a voicemail and we will return your call the next morning.
Schools — Submit a Referral Form
Schools use a referral form that is sent directly to our office. We forward it to the appropriate counselor, who will reach out to the family within 2 business days to schedule an intake appointment.
Community Partners — Send a Referral
Community agencies such as CAP use the same referral process as schools. Send the referral to our office and we will route it to the correct counselor. Families can expect contact within 2 business days.
Reach the FAYS Office
Our office coordinator is typically available during business hours to answer calls. FAYS counselors are in and out based on their individual schedules and do not answer the main phone line.
Office Hours
Monday–Friday
7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
A coordinator will answer when available. For after-hours crisis support, call the crisis line below.
After-Hours Crisis Support
(855) 327-8004FAYS does not provide 24/7 coverage. If you are in crisis after hours, call this number and staff will connect you with appropriate resources.
Serving 14 Texas Hill Country Counties
FAYS serves families across 14 counties in the Texas Hill Country. If you are unsure whether your area is covered, call our office and we'll help connect you with resources.
Confidentiality & Crisis Information
Confidentiality
Services are confidential within the limits of the law. Information shared with FAYS counselors is protected as permitted by applicable law and professional standards.
However, confidentiality has limits. Information may be required to be disclosed when there is reason to suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child or vulnerable adult, or when there is an immediate safety concern for the client or others.
Crisis Situations
FAYS counselors are not independently licensed mental health professionals and are not equipped to provide crisis intervention for situations involving suicidal ideation, self-harm, or other acute mental health emergencies.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact MHDD (Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities) or call the crisis line at (855) 327-8004. For emergencies, call 911.
Ready to request services?
Call our office to get started, or ask your school or community agency to submit a referral on your behalf.
Ready to get started?
Call us, fill out a form above, or donate to help fund free services for families in need.