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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.

Second Chance Month Megan Milner Promo

David Thompson — 2025-04-22T14:50:00Z

During April Second Chance Month in Kansas, it's positive to focus on the potential for transformation and the value of second chances for individuals returning to society after incarceration. We're grateful for the work and leadership of Secretary Jeff Zmuda and Deputy Secretary of Adult and Juvenile Community Based Services, Megan Milner, as they spearhead the efforts of countless staff members who make a difference in creating second chances on a daily basis.

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!

Juvenile Grants Availabilities - Profile of Heartland 180

David Thompson — 2025-02-11T21:30:00Z

At the Kansas Department of Corrections, we fully support programs and organizations that are dedicated to helping young people to be productive citizens in our communities. In some cases, some young people need more support than others. If you are part of an organization that reaches out to help guide and/or mentor justice-involved juveniles, perhaps you need to see if you qualify for grant funding through KDOC? We talked with one such organization in hopes of sharing their inspiration and know-how to obtain grants that took them from an after-school program, into one of the biggest nonprofits helping justice-involved juveniles. This is the story of Heartland 180 in Kansas City, Kansas.

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.

ECF Learning Celebration 2024

David Thompson — 2024-12-09T23:00:00Z

The 2024 Learning Celebration at Ellsworth Correctional Facility saw 128 recipients of either Associate's Degree, 18 and 32 Hour Completion toward an associate's degree, Kansas State High School or GED Diploma, Welding Certificate, or the OSHA 10 Safety Course certificate. Many of the graduates received a combination of these degrees and certificates. A lot of hard work by the graduates. And a lot of work by Barton Community College and ECF staff to help the students achieve this milestone toward a better and more secure future. Our congrats to all!

KDOC is also grateful for the support of Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran as representatives from each office was in attendance.

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.

Horse Adoption At HCF 10 18 2024

David Thompson — 2024-10-30T20:00:00Z

Hutchinson Correctional Facility's (HCF) Horse and Burro Program recently held its annual Open House and Competitive Bid Auction Weekend. A total of 18 horses were auctioned off as well as selling 13 untouched horses and 10 burros. The weekend is a culmination of months of basic care for the horses (which are captured in the wild from mostly western and northwestern states) to actual training, under the supervision and guidance of professional trainers, correctional staff, and resident trainers in apprenticeship.

Although Wildhorse adopts all year long both trained and untouched horses. KDOC continuously trains horses year around. As we move into July of each year, we will start holding all of our trained horses for the Open House, allowing those horses to have a lot more training hours on them. This provides an opportunity for those that need a horse more than green broke to bid.

Kansas Corrections Industries and HCF officials are hoping to increase the number of Auction Weekends with one in the spring along with one in the fall.

Governor Laura Kelly highlights opening of East Campus at Lansing unit

David Thompson — 2024-10-25T23:00:00Z

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly was our keynote speaker and honorary ribbon-cutter as KDOC celebrates the grand opening of Lansing Correctional Facility's East Campus. It’s the first ever substance use recovery and work release unit within Kansas prisons.

Helping to equip residents within this 200-bed minimum security unit, the program will help build a path to successful re-entry into the community.

KJCC's first ever graduates from Aramark Culinary Program

David Thompson — 2024-10-24T20:00:00Z

Congratulations are in order for 3 residents at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex. They are the first ever graduates of the Aramark IN2WORK culinary program at KJCC. The program allows students to learn kitchen basics; food service management; and take a final exam to earn a certification that is recognized throughout the food and restaurant industry. IN2WORK has been well received across the adult population and in this first with KJCC, are seeing the fruits of the labors of many people involved.
KDOC is grateful for our partnership with Aramark and its workers who help instill a vision for opportunities in culinary arts.
We also want to thank the KJCC staff for their support!

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.

Kansas Executive Order 18-04 (Sexual Harassment)

Nancy Burghart — 2024-07-23T14:46:52Z

Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week 2024

David Thompson — 2024-07-22T12:55:00Z

In recognition of the 23rd annual Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week (PPPS), the Kansas Department of Corrections is proud to recognize, honor, and celebrate the work of our Parole Officers throughout KDOC. We thank and commend our Parole Supervision team for all the work as well as the outstanding teamwork displayed as each office leans on one another with challenging caseloads and efforts to mitigate the risks that come with the job. This year’s theme for PPPS Week is Wellness Unveiled: Navigating the Journey. There are a myriad of traumatic stories and broken lives that our workers must wade through just to help people under supervision and guide them to a place of stability. Those journeys can take a mental toll, to say the least. So, we are grateful that this week is not only a celebration of our valued team in post supervision, but to recognize the daily grind that can impact both mind and body. So, the celebration of this week is not just about the food, fun, or activities but more importantly, about celebrating the victories of lives turned around with the help of the best post supervision team in the country.

Uncle Bully Visits KJCC

David Thompson — 2024-06-26T14:00:00Z

Film producers from Hawaii recently unveiled their latest award-winning documentary, "Uncle Bully's Surf Skool" at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex. The film was about surfing instructor, Uncle Bully, who taught homeless children how to surf during COVID. It is a documentary that looks to inspire others to help or become a mentor wherever they can in an effort to build community.