News & Announcements

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.”

TCF KSU Pen Pals 12-24-2025

David Thompson — 2025-12-24T22:00:00Z

One of the most powerful programs at the Topeka Correctional Facility is having students at Kansas State University correspond with some of the residents as part of a Pen Pal program. It’s part of a curriculum designed by K-State and TCF administrators. The highlight of the program is a day when the Pen Pals can sit face-to-face during a voluntary visit by the students and professor. We were there to capture their most recent visit.

Kansas Department of Corrections Announces Implementation of Grants Expanding Behavioral Health Services for Juveniles in Detention

David Thompson — 2025-09-22T19:20:00Z

The Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) today announced the successful implementation of over $1.4 million in grant funding, which has enabled juvenile detention centers across the state to provide vital mental health and substance use services to young people. The grants, established through the 2023 passage of House Bill 2021, address the significant behavioral health needs of juveniles and connect families to crucial support services sooner.

"This funding is a game-changer for our ability to effectively help Kansas youth in the justice system," said Megan Milner, KDOC Deputy Secretary. "By identifying and addressing mental health and substance use needs early, we are providing a pathway for young people to receive the support they need to avoid future system involvement. For many detention centers, this is the first time they have had the capacity to offer these essential services".

This grant program utilizes the state’s Evidence-Based Programs fund to improve services in Kansas’ nine locally operated juvenile detention centers. Assessments conducted since the grants were implemented in 2023 have revealed a critical need: over 80% of youth admitted to a detention center have mental health or substance use disorders. The grants are directly addressing this by funding timely assessments, case management, and behavioral health services.

“These grants provide crucial funding to address the needs that may be influencing a youth’s behavior in the community, thus resulting in them coming to the attention of the justice system. By getting them connected to services as early as possible, we can provide a structure of support for the youth and their family to hopefully change their trajectory in the juvenile justice system”, said Steve Stonehouse, Sedgwick County Director of Corrections.

The KDOC is responsible for the adult and juvenile correctional systems in the state, ensuring a safe and secure environment while providing opportunities for offenders to become productive members of society upon release.

Domestic Violence Conference at TCF 09 2025

David Thompson — 2025-09-12T16:45:00Z

An unprecedented day took place at the Topeka Correctional Facility earlier this month. In an effort to combat and recover from domestic violence, the administration and staff at TCF, fully supported a group of residents who organized a day-long conference filled with expert speakers and supporting agencies, aimed at breaking free from past experiences while building forward with knowledge and support. The conference was called, "Building From The Bricks Up". The residents held fundraisers and generated enough money to hold the conference as well as have enough over to make a $1000 donation to a supporting agency. Great work, TEAM TCF!

KDOC Crafts 2025

David Thompson — 2025-09-04T12:20:00Z

One of the most impactful tools in corrections is the Crafts & Arts shops within each of our facilities. Not only can crafting provide a “safe place” for one’s mind and reduce stress and anxiety, but it can also tap into one’s creative side while learning vocational skills like carpentry, woodworking, or textiles that can lead to employment upon release. There have been many residents who have benefited from crafts and arts programs toward rehabilitation, public safety, and human dignity. The bonus parts are the positive bridges they can help build with communities as they contribute their work back into society.

Pygmy Goats at EDCF 07 2025

David Thompson — 2025-07-25T12:10:00Z

Pygmy goats are all the rage at El Dorado Correctional Facility. Last month, facility administrators welcomed four pygmy goats to EDCF to be raised by eight resident handlers. The benefits of this program include therapeutic effects of interacting with animals which reduce stress on residents and promote positive behavioral changes. The residents can also learn valuable skills related to animal husbandry, including feeding, grooming, breeding, and basic veterinary care for pygmy goats. We’re very excited to see this program ‘baaaaaa’-lloon in size. 😊

KJCC Graduation 06 27 25

David Thompson — 2025-07-02T13:40:00Z

KJCC Deputy Superintendent Kathy Espana discusses the joys of graduation ceremonies at "KJ" for residents, families, staff, and even former staff members.

Lullaby Project at TCF 06 09 25

David Thompson — 2025-06-24T14:00:00Z

KDOC is grateful for our partnership with the Kansas Children's Discovery Center in Topeka. They are piloting a new program at the Topeka Correctional Facility called the Lullaby project, helping incarcerated moms stay connected with their babies.

Food Hubs of KDOC 06 2025

David Thompson — 2025-06-18T12:20:00Z

A recent feasibility study showed that Norton Correctional Facility (NCF) is the largest producer of fresh produce in that region, so, health officials came up with a plan to utilize NCF’s assets. With the guidance of business consultants specializing in food system planning and sustainable food business development, NCF wrote for and was awarded a federal food grant, and today, they are spearheading a charge to upgrade and convert our gardens into local food hubs that would not only provide fresh produce for residents and staff at each facility, but also enough to share with surrounding communities, especially hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. NCF is piloting this project using the food grant to help build a processing plant adjacent to its garden. The plan is to have the plant under the workings of the Kansas Corrections Industries and Rich O’Donnell, who also happens to have experience at the federal prison in Leavenworth converting gardens into food hubs. So, how the NCF project goes, so goes other facility gardens.

Tasha Layton at Topeka Correctional Facility

David Thompson — 2025-05-21T15:25:00Z

In a place often associated with despair, isolation, and hopelessness, singer Tasha Layton, a rising star in Christian music, brought a message of hope and strength to the residents of Topeka Correctional Facility. This midday concert was sponsored by radio station Life 88.5 in Kansas City, and hosted by LEAD, or Ladies Empowered and Driven, the female arm of Brothers In Blue Reentry program. For many who were not familiar with Tasha Layton before her concert, they quickly became fans of her music and the woman she is.