Topeka, Kansas – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) unveiled a new round of Family First Prevention Services grants on Tuesday, committing roughly $23 million for the 2028 state fiscal year. The funding will support twelve programs run by ten provider agencies, all designed to help Kansas children stay safely with their families and avoid entry into the foster care system.
Building on proven success
Since Kansas adopted the federal Family First Prevention Services Act in 2019, the state has been a national leader in directing federal foster‑care dollars toward prevention. DCF says the initiative has already helped more than 8,300 children remain at home, connecting families with mental‑health counseling, kinship navigation, substance‑use treatment, parent‑skill building and other critical supports.
Grant details and timeline
The newly awarded grants will take effect on July 1, 2027 and include three one‑year renewal options. Approximately $11.5 million of the budget comes from state general funds, with the balance supplied by federal matching dollars. The grants cover a range of services, including:
- Substance‑use disorder programs
- Parent‑skill‑building initiatives
- Mental‑health counseling
- Kinship navigation services
- Primary prevention programs
These programs are being evaluated by the University of Kansas Center for Public Partnership & Research, ensuring accountability and measurable outcomes.
Leadership’s perspective
“We are incredibly proud of the impact DCF and our partner agencies are making in the lives of Kansas children and families,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “These outcomes demonstrate the value of investing in families and strengthening them before a crisis occurs.”
Why the focus matters
Keeping children with their families aligns with Kansas’s long‑standing commitment to traditional family values and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. By directing resources toward prevention rather than costly foster‑care placements, the state not only safeguards vulnerable children but also reduces the long‑term financial burden on the public budget.
Looking ahead
The upcoming fiscal year will see the first wave of grant recipients begin their work, with progress reports expected in 2029. Kansas families, faith‑based groups and community leaders have welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to strengthen neighborhoods and uphold the constitutional right of parents to raise their children without unnecessary government intrusion.
For a full list of grant recipients and program details, visit the DCF website.
Original reporting: KWCH 12 (Gray) – local — read the source article.
