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KJCC Graduation June 30, 2023

David Thompson — 2023-07-26T15:00:00Z

Graduations are always so meaningful and emotional to all parties involved. It's a celebration of hard work, determination, belief in oneself, overcoming adversity, and in many cases in a prison, overcoming odds to not only survive but also thrive. Such was the case recently at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex as 21 residents graduated from Lawrence-Gardner High School and 6 others graduated from Washburn Tech. Our congratulations to the grads and their families. Thank you to all the staff, educators, partners at Washburn University and Washburn Tech, and the administration for your support!

KJCC Graduation 12 20 2024

David Thompson — 2025-01-15T16:45:00Z

Last month, 42 students at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex walked the stage as graduates of Lawrence Gardner High School, Jobs for America's Graduates, or Washburn Institute of Technology. A milestone achievement to be remembered...as was the keynote speaker, Steve Backman, who shared stories of former students, back when he worked at the facility when it was known as the Youth Center of Topeka, or YCAT.

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.

KJCC Contact List 12-2022.pdf

David Thompson — 2022-12-01T19:50:51Z

KJCC / Kansas Childrens Discovery Ctr Visitation 02 20 2024

David Thompson — 2024-03-20T13:15:00Z

The partnership between the Kansas Department of Corrections and the Kansas Childrens Discovery Center continues to flourish within a couple of our Visitation Rooms. KCDC has held numerous on-site visits with mothers and grandmothers with their children and grandchildren on the grounds of their Topeka Museum that is filled with games and learning activities. KDOC is slowly integrating the male facilities' Visitation Rooms utilizing KCDC'S Mobile Museum. They recently opened shop for a test run at Hutchinson Correctional Facility. And last month, they made a first time visit to the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex where 5 young dads were able to see and visit their children, three of whom were seeing their newborn child for the first time.

KDOC's Women in Corrections

David Thompson — 2020-12-31T06:00:00Z

In honor of International Women's Day and National Women's History month, KDOC celebrates these special recognitions, as we highlight several women throughout our agency shining a light on the essential work they provide whether in facilities or through parole supervision. We look at why women got into this profession, the strengths they bring to the table, and why they are an integral asset for all units.

KDOC Turns Keys to Old Kansas State Penitentiary/LCF to LHS

David Thompson — 2024-09-09T20:00:00Z

KDOC officially hands over the keys to the old Kansas State Penitentiary/Lansing Correctional Facility to the Lansing Historical Society. Great work by the Kansas Legislature, spearheaded by Senator Jeff Pittman of Leavenworth. Doors open Friday, September 13, 2024 for tours which will be hosted by former staff and residents as well as other volunteers.

KDOC Honors Military Staff Members on Veterans Day 11 12 24

David Thompson — 2024-11-11T14:00:00Z

Monday is Veterans Day. It is vitally important to remember why we have this federal holiday to honor those who have served in the military, including many of our staff members. Beginning at the end of World War I in 1919, we, as Americans, commemorate our veterans by honoring their service every November 11th. This federal holiday was initially established to pay tribute to the ones who served during World War I, today, Veterans Day honors all military veterans, including those still alive, in contrast to Memorial Day, which remembers those who passed away while serving. Those who serve in the military, say they’re not in it for the money but for the virtues of honor, duty, sacrifice, and service to our country. In many ways, such virtues make up the backbone of who we are as a country. We have many veterans in our workforce and are grateful for each one. So, as we enjoy a 3-day weekend, let us remember the fallen veterans as well as those who have served and those who are currently serving. Thank you to each of our veterans for their service to our country. And thank you to all of you for your service to our great state of Kansas.

- Jeff Zmuda, Kansas Secretary of Corrections, addressing staff members.

KDOC Healthcare Checkup2024 Part 3

David Thompson — 2024-02-07T20:30:00Z

We close out our 3-part series looking at the healthcare of residents within KDOC. In part 3, we highlight and salute the work of two nurses and an activities therapist who epitomize what it is to respect the patients within our facilities while preserving their dignity. Like the outside world, patients are placed in positions of vulnerability as they are prodded and questioned about personal details of their body functions by people they don’t know, and who really don’t know them. Yet, healthcare professionals within KDOC exude a professionalism that puts the overall health of the patient first and foremost. Narrated by Jennifer Brunenn, KDOC Education Coordinator

KDOC Healthcare Checkup 2024 Part 2

David Thompson — 2024-02-02T18:30:00Z

In part 2 of our checkup on KDOC Healthcare, we share how we are winning the fight against Hepatitis-C and Hernias. We also take a deeper look at the Hospice program at El Dorado Correctional Facility. It’s slightly similar to the Companion programs that are in place at other facilities within KDOC, but the hospice training at EDCF is more in-depth with specific training that focuses on all levels of crisis.

KDOC Healthcare Checkup2024 Part 1

David Thompson — 2024-01-24T23:00:00Z

Many health problems that plague our world outside the fences, plague our world inside the fences at an even greater rate; increasing demand for healthcare services for cancer patients, substance abuse, and care for the elderly are common issues within state correctional facilities. We admit we are not perfect in addressing these problems, but healthcare within the Kansas Department of Corrections is doing a lot with what is given to us.

In looking at the healthcare provided for residents within KDOC, we offer you the first of a three-part series looking at ways KDOC is addressing these issues. This week, we hear how developing a working relationship with the contract partner, Centurion of Kansas LLC, has enabled positive ideas to be turned into positive outcomes.

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.

KDOC at StateFair 2023

David Thompson — 2023-09-19T19:45:00Z

KDOC has had a presence at the state fair in Hutchinson for countless years. And it was in 1990 that we built a building to house our booth of information for fair-goers. And every year, up to -40- KDOC volunteers will help man the booths and building to interact with fair-goers and answer questions from the public. Every interaction is meaningful when it comes to telling people what we do and why we do things. They understand who we do it for: it’s for everyone. So, a hearty ‘Thank you!’ to all the volunteers who sacrificed their time to talk with visitors at the state fair in Hutchinson. Here’s a video that highlights a few of those volunteers.

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.

KCDC Unveils Play Free Visitation Area at ECF

David Thompson — 2025-03-31T20:00:00Z

A new child-friendly visitation space at Ellsworth Correctional Facility aims to make family connections easier, thanks to a partnership between KDOC and the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. the redesigned space prioritizes the emotional and developmental needs of children visiting incarcerated parents, emphasizing a family-centered approach in the correctional system. Governor Laura Kelly praised the partnership, saying in a statement, “I am pleased to support this partnership between the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center and the Kansas Department of Corrections, which takes a compassionate approach to the visitation experience. By focusing on the welfare of both parents and children, we can improve outcomes and support positive family relationships throughout the incarceration period.” Research shows that maintaining strong parent-child connections during incarceration reduces trauma, supports emotional stability, and lowers the risk of intergenerational incarceration, according to the National Institute of Justice. A similar visitation room has also opened at the El Dorado Correctional Facility, and a third is scheduled to launch at Lansing Correctional Facility April 10th.