Important Updates + DCF Resource Events

Together Kansas Events

At DCF, we believe Kansas families and individuals are stronger when they have access to the supports they need to thrive.  

Although the specific vendors at each Together Kansas event may vary, attendees can expect to connect with a variety of community partners, resources and, at most events, employers. Examples of previous supports available at Together Kansas events include:   

- Job Search Assistance
- Employment Opportunities
- Nonprofits
- Health Initiatives
- Community Partners
- State Agencies 

Changes to Child Care Licensing Requirements 

During the 2025 Kansas Legislative session, a bill was passed (HB 2045) prompting the establishment of the Kansas Office of Early Childhood (OEC) and amending Kansas child care licensing laws and regulations.  While the administration works to establish the OEC, here are some things to know: 

• Changes to licensing requirements are intended to increase child care opportunities and will allow more DCF Child Care Assistance clients to be served. 

• Drop-in programs will be legally recategorized as "Youth Development Programs" and may be referred to in new client communications about these programs.  

• Beginning July 1, child care provided in the home by friends or family arranged on an irregular basis, and child care provided in the home for fewer than 35 hours per week, for four or fewer children, will no longer require licensure. Specific criteria apply to infants in these instances. 

• State-level child care facility licensing fees have been eliminated. Applicable local licensing fees and background check fees will remain.  

• More information will be shared as the Office of Early Childhood is established.  

Budget Recommendations

We need your input! Do you have suggestions for us to consider for our fiscal year 2027 budget?  

Spoofing and Smishing 

Spoofing is technique scammers are using to build their credibility. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), scammers will falsify and disguise the true phone number that they are calling from and “spoof” or display a local or reputable organization’s phone number instead to gain your trust. 

When you answer the scam call, the person on the other line may then attempt to steal your money or personal information. 

Scammers also use smishing (a tactic that combines the use of “SMS” and “phishing”) to try to get you to click on suspicious links or steal your information. They may also try to convince you they are reputable by claiming to be from government agencies or organizations, including DCF.  

Inspect all text messages carefully as scam texts may try to get you to act quickly, have links that don’t look quite right or have misspellings and grammatical errors. If you have any concerns or are unsure if the text is legitimate, contact the agency or organization directly in a secure way. 

The Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH) is a state agency housed administratively within the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) in its Rehabilitation Services division. 

Since 1982, the KCDHH has provided policy considerations relating to social, emotional, educational and vocational needs of the deaf and hard of hearing and their families and makes recommendations for needed improvements, while serving as an advisory board on new legislation affecting the deaf and hard of hearing. 

SUN Bucks Reminders

Families have 122 days from their date of issuance to spend their one-time per eligible child SUN Bucks benefit. The date of issuance can be found on the Notice of Action letter from DCF or in your Self-Service Portal account.  

Reminder: There is about one month left in the application period for SUN Bucks 2025! If you haven’t received a $120 one-time benefit per eligible child to help buy groceries this summer, you can review eligibility requirements and access the application at: SUNBucks.dcf.ks.gov. 

Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Aug. 29, 2025. 

Summer resources are available in our Kansas communities 

• Explore DCF’s Child Care Assistance 

• Find a food bank near you 

• Check out KSDE’s Summer Meal locations 

• Review or call hotline numbers

• Discover 1-800-CHILDREN support in your area 

Closures and Holidays

In observance of the following holidays, all DCF offices will be closed.  

• Labor Day – Monday, Sept. 1 

The Kansas Protection Report Center (KPRC) will remain open. Contact the KPRC at 1-800-922-5330 to report suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation of a child or adult.