If you need assistance with foster care in Kansas, whether you're a foster parent, a biological parent, or a youth in foster care, there are resources available to support you. Here’s a list of key programs and services: --- ### **1. Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF)** - Oversees foster care services and provides support for children and families involved in the foster care system. - Website: [Kansas DCF](https://www.dcf.ks.gov/) - Phone: **1-888-369-4777** - Services include foster parent licensing, adoption assistance, and family reunification support. --- ### **2. Foster Care Case Management Providers** Kansas contracts with several private organizations to provide foster care services: - **KVC Kansas**: Provides foster care, family therapy, and adoption services. - Website: [KVC Kansas](https://www.kvc.org/) - Phone: **1-888-655-5500** - **Saint Francis Ministries**: Offers foster care case management and support services. - Website: [Saint Francis Ministries](https://www.saintfrancisministries.org/) - Phone: **1-800-423-1342** - **TFI Family Services**: Provides foster care placement, training, and support. - Website: [TFI Family Services](https://www.tfifamily.org/) - Phone: **1-877-942-2239** - **Cornerstones of Care**: Offers foster parent resources and trauma-informed care. - Website: [Cornerstones of Care](https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/) - Phone: **1-844-824-8200** --- ### **3. Foster Parent Licensing and Support** - Kansas foster parents must complete training and meet specific requirements to be licensed. These organizations provide training and support: - **Kansas Foster and Adoptive Parent Association (KFAPA)** - Website: [KFAPA](https://kfapa.org/) - Offers resources, advocacy, and training for foster and adoptive parents. --- ### **4. Foster Care Advocacy and Legal Assistance** - **Kansas Legal Services (KLS)**: Provides legal aid for foster parents, biological parents, and youth in care. - Website: [Kansas Legal Services](https://www.kansaslegalservices.org/) - Phone: **1-800-723-6953** - **Kansas Children’s Alliance**: Advocates for children and families involved in the foster care system. - Website: [Kansas Children's Alliance](https://www.childally.org/) --- ### **5. Youth in Foster Care** - **Kansas Foster Youth Alumni Services**: Provides support for young adults aging out of the foster care system, including education, housing, and employment resources. - **Youthrive Kansas**: Supports foster youth with mentorship, life skills, and resources for independent living. - Website: [Youthrive](https://www.youthrive.org/) - Phone: **1-913-324-3083** --- ### **6. Adoption Services** - Kansas offers resources for families looking to adopt foster children. - **Adopt Kansas Kids**: Provides information and assistance for adoption in Kansas. - Website: [Adopt Kansas Kids](https://www.adoptkskids.org/) - Phone: **1-877-457-5430** --- ### **7. Crisis and Support Hotlines** - **Kansas Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline**: **1-800-922-5330** (24/7) - **National Foster Care Hotline**: **1-800-550-3427** --- ### **8. Financial Assistance for Foster Parents** - Foster parents in Kansas receive financial reimbursement for the care of foster children. DCF and contracted agencies can provide details on rates and additional resources for expenses like clothing and school supplies. --- ### **9. Educational Support for Foster Youth** - Foster youth in Kansas are eligible for free tuition at public colleges and universities under the Kansas Foster Child Education Assistance Act. - For more information, visit [Kansas Board of Regents](https://www.kansasregents.org/). --- ### **10. Mental Health and Counseling Services** - Foster care programs include trauma-informed care and counseling for children and families. Contact your foster care agency for referrals. --- ### **11. Advocacy and Support Groups** - **Foster Care Alumni of America – Kansas Chapter**: A network for current and former foster youth. - Website: [Foster Care Alumni](https://www.fostercarealumni.org/) - **Grandparents as Caregivers**: Support for grandparents caring for grandchildren in foster care. - Website: [Kansas Grandparent Support](https://www.kansaslegalservices.org/node/1943) --- Let me know if you’d like help connecting with one of these resources or assistance navigating the foster care system in Kansas.