News & Announcements

Family Fun Day at LCF

David Thompson — 2026-09-02T17:35:00Z

History was made at Lansing Correctional Facility! On Saturday, August 29, 2026, LCF hosted its first-ever Family Fun Day inside the medium/maximum-security yard.

The area was transformed with tents, bounce houses, and games, allowing residents to spend invaluable, open-air time with their children, grandchildren, and loved ones.

From staggered morning arrivals to a powerful first-time meeting between a father and his son who drove from Oklahoma, the day was filled with respect, healing, and hope. Strong families build safer communities.

"Events like this reinforce that corrections is about more than security—it is about restoring humanity and strengthening the family bonds that are vital to successful rehabilitation, which ultimately lead to safer communities. Thank you to the staff and volunteers at LCF and across the KDOC who supported this initiative. You have set a remarkable example for our entire department!" - Jeff Zmuda, Kansas Secretary of Corrections

HCF - IN2WORK Giftbags for Ronald McDonald House 08 26 26

David Thompson — 2026-08-28T17:40:00Z

Aramark/IN2WORK resident culinary students at Hutchinson Correctional Facility packed 250 custom gift bags for families staying at the local Ronald McDonald House. This incredible project marks a major milestone for our vocational track, proving that the skills learned here are built on community, care, and giving back. We are so proud of the hard work and heart these students put into supporting families when they need it most.

KJCC IN2WORK Graduation 08 12 26

David Thompson — 2026-08-13T21:05:00Z

Historic Achievement: Five Young Men Celebrate Culinary Graduation from the Aramark IN2WORK culinary program at Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex. Among the graduates, one student achieved the highest test score ever seen by KJCC's cooking instructor.

Two KDOC Executives Featured on KTWU, Inspire

David Thompson — 2026-08-12T17:00:00Z

Deputy Secretary of Facility Management Gloria Geither and Deputy Secretary of Juvenile & Adult Community-Based Services Megan Milner recently appeared on the PBS station KTWU in Topeka. The program highlights the profound impact women are making across public service, community development, and public safety industries.

During their interviews, Deputy Secretaries Geither and Milner discuss their dedicated careers within the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC). More importantly, they address the expanding path open for more women to pursue successful, impactful careers in the corrections field.

Their leadership reflects the very best of our agency:

Breaking Barriers: Showing how women can successfully rise from facility-level operations to the highest tiers of agency leadership.
Duty and Excellence: Championing public safety, modern rehabilitation practices, and staff mentorship across Kansas.
Paving the Way: Demonstrating that KDOC is an agency where career growth, capability, and merit are recognized and cultivated.

LCF East Campus Graduation 8-10-26

David Thompson — 2026-08-12T13:00:00Z

We are thrilled to celebrate the latest graduation ceremony of the East Campus Recovery Program at Lansing Correctional Facility. During this special event, 42 resilient residents stepped up to receive their certificates of completion. This milestone brings our total to 156 graduates since launching less than two years ago. As the first program of its kind in Kansas, this initiative sets a new standard for our state. By placing a strong emphasis on drug addiction recovery and seamlessly transitioning participants into work release jobs from the minimum-security facility, KDOC is creating a true pathway to successful reentry. We are incredibly proud of these individuals for dedicating themselves to transformation and building a brighter future.

YouTuber Visits WCF Garden 07 10 26

David Thompson — 2026-08-06T21:10:00Z

In five short years, the Winfield Correctional Facility garden program has blossomed from 12 garden bed to 41 beds today. But this program grows much more than just plants. Our resident gardeners are cultivating real life changes. Through hands-on work, they are building essential skills to pursue future career opportunities in: Landscaping 🏡Farming 🚜Community Leadership 🤝We are incredibly proud of the growth of this program and the dedication of everyone involved in transforming lives from the ground up. Recently, they had a special visitor, online sensation, "Mr. Mixer" a.k.a. Zach Dinicola.

TCF Comfort Cases Backpack Stuffers 07 22 26

David Thompson — 2026-07-30T21:45:00Z

For thousands of children entering foster care, their suitcase is a trash bag for everything they own. But last week, the Residents at the Topeka Correctional Facility teamed up with an organization and their volunteers to pack 200 "Comfort Cases” backpacks filled with essentials like blankets, books, hygiene kits, and stuffed animals made by the ladies of TCF. It was an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Kansas kiddos.

Topeka Correctional Facility (TCF) Graduations 2026

David Thompson — 2026-06-23T16:30:00Z

🎓 CELEBRATING SUCCESS AT TCF! 🎓 On Friday, May 22, KDOC celebrated the incredible achievements of 81 students at the Topeka Correctional Facility (TCF). Through our partnership with Smoky Hill Education Service Center, Washburn Tech, and Washburn University, these graduates showed true dedication. Here is what they accomplished:14 High School Diplomas 📜24 Industrial Production Tech Certificates 🛠️9 Business Technology Certificates 💻24 Associate of Liberal Studies Degrees 🎓10 Bachelor of Integrated Studies Degrees 🌟 Historic Milestones: First ever Bachelor’s degrees completed while incarcerated at TCF.31 out of 34 Washburn University students earned academic honors. Amber Bright graduated Magna Cum Laude (GPA 3.70–3.90).Roxanne Dickerman graduated Summa Cum Laude (4.00 GPA) and was a Sibberson Award finalist! 7 Washburn Tech students inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. Thank you to the instructors, staff, and community partners who support Kansas Department of Corrections educational programs. Your support changes lives! #EducationMatters #SecondChances #Commencement2026 #HigherEdInPrison #TopekaCorrectionalFacility #KDOC

TCF-Church Ladies Basketball 2026

David Thompson — 2026-05-23T16:00:00Z

For more than 25 years, a hodgepodge group of Christian women have looked at the Topeka Correctional Facility as part of their mission field. And for -8- weeks during the winter, they would come into the prison, hold a short devotional, then play a basketball game against the ladies of TCF. But it's more than just a game, it's hope in action

Play Free at HCF 03 09 26

David Thompson — 2026-04-10T12:00:00Z

The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center (KCDC) in partnership with the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) are proving that while an incarcerated parent may be away, love doesn't have to be on hold. For nearly two years, the Play Free program is strengthening the bonds between incarcerated parents and their children through the power of play. The "Play Free" program provides a mobile museum experience, bringing high-quality educational play directly to families impacted by incarceration. By creating a normalized, joyful environment, the program helps reduce the trauma of separation and fosters the essential connections necessary for successful family reintegration.

KCI - Clinton Park Furniture 02 27 2026

David Thompson — 2026-03-27T17:00:00Z

The partnership between Kansas Correctional Industries, other state agencies, and other qualified organizations extends far beyond providing resident-produced goods and services. KCI’s line include paint products and street signs to metal benches and office furniture. Keeping customers pleased serves as a cornerstone for community growth and individual rehabilitation, as was the case when Clinton State Park recently unveiled its new Visitor Center complete with new chairs and desks built by residents at Lansing Correctional Facility and KCI.

Women in Corrections 2026

David Thompson — 2026-03-19T15:00:00Z

In 1972, California became the first state where female correctional officers started working in male prisons. Kansas followed a similar trajectory of integration during this era. And in 1984, three women had the courage to be the first females to work in a men’s prison in Kansas. One of those included Dona Hook, the current warden at the Topeka Correctional Facility. As we celebrate National Women’s History month, we’d like to highlight several women who weren’t and aren’t swayed by the once-male-dominated industry and are making an impact in their field of work today: Women in Corrections 2026.

Former LCF Resident Featured Speaker at KU's Black History Month Celebration

David Thompson — 2026-02-12T15:05:00Z

Former Lansing Correctional Facility Resident, Aaron Smallwood, cites education and his faith as keys to his path toward redemption. He was released September 6, 2024 after serving 28 years in KDOC custody. During his incarceration, he earned a college degree from Donnelly College and became a mainstay with the Brothers In Blue Reentry program. Since his release, he has maintained a fulltime job at Zephyr Products, a Private Industry partner with KDOC. Smallwood was invited to speak at the University of Kansas School of Education & Human Sciences Black History Month Celebration yesterday. He has written two books and told an audience of mostly KU Education students, faculty, and other supporters, that successful reentry is a slow process.

Program updates and data updates can be found in the 2025 Annual Report

Matthew Billinger — 2026-01-28T15:40:12Z

Governor's Grants Program 2026-2029

David Thompson — 2026-01-26T21:30:00Z

Attention crime victims and survivors in Kansas! The Governor’s Grants Program wants to hear from you! Please consider filling out this survey to help determine the state’s financial priorities for victim advocacy grants in 2026-2029. Your voice matters! The survey is anonymous and individual responses are kept confidential. The survey can be accessed in English or Spanish at this link. To access the Spanish survey, use the drop-down in the upper right corner to select “Spanish.”