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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.

Procedure for completing a Clemency Application

Nancy Burghart — 2025-03-28T14:33:35Z

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!

OVS Main Brochure

Nancy Burghart — 2025-02-21T20:35:50Z

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.

Mark Keating, Chair

Nancy Burghart — 2025-02-11T18:55:00Z

Jeannie Wark, Board Member

Nancy Burghart — 2025-02-11T18:50:47Z

Facility Staff Contact List (1.30.25)

Nancy Burghart — 2025-01-30T15:17:22Z

KDOC Quarterly Data Jan. 2025

Matthew Billinger — 2025-01-29T17:41:45Z

OJA Quarterly Data Jan. 2025

Matthew Billinger — 2025-01-29T17:41:45Z

January Program Updates

Matthew Billinger — 2025-01-29T17:41:45Z

January 17th, 2025 Minutes

Matthew Billinger — 2025-01-29T17:41:45Z

January 17th, 2025

Matthew Billinger — 2025-01-29T17:41:56Z

October 18th, 2024 Minutes

Matthew Billinger — 2025-01-17T20:34:38Z

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.