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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.

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!

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. 😊

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.

LCF Donnelly Graduation 05 13 2025

David Thompson — 2025-05-14T22:00:00Z

Four residents at Lansing Correctional Facility received diplomas as they earned Associate of Applied Science in Business degrees from Donnelly College. Our congratulations to Nicholas Martin, Crosson Saisi, Raeshad Scott-Lindsey, and David Young. Martin and Young earned Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society awards while Scott-Lindsey is a first generation college student. KDOC also thanks the teachers, administrators, and staff at LCF for helping to ensuring that classes take place.

Corrections and Employees Week 2025

David Thompson — 2025-05-05T16:00:00Z

The foundational goal at the Kansas Department of Corrections is to always help people come out of prison better than they went in. Today, there are 3,400 staff members working in KDOC facilities throughout the state that are helping those residents who want to change, attain that foundational goal. They, along with their peers across the country, are being recognized and honored for their dedication and service over the next 7 days as we observe National Correctional Officers’ and Employees’ Week.

In order to spotlight those deserving of credit, we dedicate this week to our Unsung Heroes of KDOC. This report reveals the character of people who work throughout our facilities as they help make a difference in the countless lives we encounter every day of the year.

IN2WORK Giftbags for RMH 04 03 25

David Thompson — 2025-04-03T17:25:00Z

Aramark Correctional Services is marking the 20th anniversary of its IN2WORK (I2W) program, which provides education and industry certifications to incarcerated individuals. To help celebrate, the IN2WORK residents and Aramark staff at Lansing Correctional Facility created 250 self-stable, breakfast snack packs and donated them to the Ronald McDonald House near Childrens Mercy Hospital in Overland Park.

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.

Band Night On The Big Yard at LCF

David Thompson — 2025-03-14T12:30:00Z

What happens when you have a big space for an outdoor concert, a welcoming audience, and no budget to pay musicians? You invite as many bands that are willing to play on the Yard at Lansing Correctional Facility. And are they coming?! For the 2nd year in a row, more than 30 bands from around the Kansas City region are booked to play on a Thursday night between March and October. It's win-win-win situation as local bands who are looking for a gig, can play before a "captive" audience; the residents are welcome to hear a free concert; and administrators say it all adds to a calmer, safer environment. Rock on, LCF!

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.