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TCF-Church Ladies Basketball 2026

David Thompson — 2026-05-23T15:20:00Z

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.

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.

KDOC2027GrantSchedule.pdf

David Thompson — 2025-12-01T14:58:03Z

FY27 Juvenile Detention Center Behavioral Health Services Funding Application

David Thompson — 2025-11-25T19:42:02Z

FAQsCommunityProgramsJuvenileJusticeYouthProgramsGrantWord.pdf

David Thompson — 2025-11-24T18:51:01Z

Community Programs for Juvenile Justice Grant Application

David Thompson — 2025-11-05T21:50:00Z

Grantee Conditions of Agreement Signature Page.pdf

David Thompson — 2025-11-05T20:03:55Z

CPJJ Application Budget Workbook.xlsx

David Thompson — 2025-11-05T20:03:55Z

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!