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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!

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.

KansasComplianceMonitoringManual.pdf

David Thompson — 2025-07-29T20:13:25Z

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.