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Child Support Awareness Month
Earlier this month, DCF staff and child support contractors gathered for a proclamation signing by Governor Laura Kelly to commemorate Child Support Awareness Month.
DCF Secretary Laura Howard shared a message reflecting the vital role DCF staff play in this 50-year tradition of service, commitment and compassion.
“2025 marks a historic milestone – 50 years of the national Child Support Program. Since its creation in 1975, Kansas Child Support Services has helped ensure children receive the financial support they need to thrive. Your work is a cornerstone of that legacy, and your efforts have lasting impacts on the lives of thousands of families.” - DCF Secretary Laura Howard
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Kansas Practice Model Celebrates 5 Years
DCF practitioners, professionals and some of the families we support joined together earlier this month from around the state for an in-person and virtual conference to learn from and share with one another. Through testimonials, presentations including real-life cases, and panel discussions, this conference showcased the incredible progress of the Kansas Practice Model (KPM).
Through the implementation of the KPM, families are engaged at every step of the process and are surrounded by resources. Since 2019, the number of children in foster care has decreased by 25 percent, a notable testament to the success of the KPM.
What is the Kansas Practice Model? To better understand what the Kansas Practice Model is and how it works, we encourage you to watch this short video and read the overview. These describe how the KPM utilizes a family-centered approach to walk alongside families while helping them reach their goals.
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Legislative Update: HB 2075 Implementation
During the 2025 Kansas Legislative session, a bill – HB 2075 – was passed that would ensure DCF is here for children and families, every day of every week.
On July 1, 2025, DCF began initiating contact with families every day of the week, including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays when receiving a report from a law enforcement officer about a child in a family who might be a victim of abuse or neglect. In response, a DCF child protection specialist or investigator initiates contact with the family within 24 hours.
This update ensures there are no lapses in the process between reporting and response times, facilitating a consistent flow and exchange of communication and collaboration between DCF and law enforcement agencies.
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That’s a Wrap!
DCF hosted three community stakeholder meetings at locations around the state to keep community members, partners and lawmakers informed of agency initiatives, budget updates and to recap the most recent legislative session.
Stakeholder meetings are hosted annually, and this year, provided an opportunity for audiences to gather in Topeka, Salina and El Dorado for a chance to view a presentation and engage with DCF staff with questions and feedback.
You can view presentations from each of the three events on our website, where you’ll also find information about the 2025 legislative session and an archive of past years’ stakeholder meetings.
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Reminder: SUN Bucks Final Deadline
Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Aug. 29, 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.
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Upcoming Together Kansas Events
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Work, Believe, Thrive with Us!
Join us in creating positive change in our communities to protect children, strengthen families, and promote self-sufficiency for all Kansans.
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Updates and Corrections
A prior edition of DCF Direct featured an update on child care licensing requirements that has since been updated. You can find the updated information here.
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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.
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DCF's mission is to protect children, strengthen families and promote adult self-sufficiency. |
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