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Don't miss it! Kansans still have just enough time to apply for help with energy costs through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP).
Applications must be received by DCF by 5 p.m. March 31, 2026.
In order to meet this year's deadline, applications should be submitted through the DCF Self-Service Portal or by submitting a paper application in person at a DCF service center.
The program provides a one-time annual benefit to help eligible Kansas households pay a portion of their home heating costs, including electricity, propane, gas and other home heating fuels. The benefit is paid directly to the household’s energy provider.
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SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a program to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer.
Summer 2026 SUN Bucks applications are open and must be received by 5 p.m. Aug. 31, 2026.
Did you receive a text message about SUN Bucks? DCF is sending text messages from the number 51523 to update participating households on the status of their SUN Bucks case and benefit distribution.
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Kansas lawmakers moved quickly to finalize business before first adjournment on March 27. After adjournment, the governor has 10 days to sign, veto or allow bills to become law without a signature.
- DCF monitored and provided testimony on multiple bills affecting its programs and stakeholders.
- Several bills advanced directly to Gov. Laura Kelly.
- Conference committees resolved House and Senate amendment differences.
- Budget items progressed and were debated in both chambers.
The veto session is expected April 9-11, when legislators may address and attempt to override bills vetoed by the governor.
Status update: DCF legislative agenda items
House Bill 2557: Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) updates
This bill was signed by Gov. Kelly on March 16.
Senate Bill 414: Juvenile Crisis Intervention Center (JCIC) language expansion
The language from this bill was put into House Bill 2329 along with House Bill 2639. DCF supported or was neutral on both bills.
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 Governor Laura Kelly on March 26 announced that Kansas has joined the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF) ‘A Home for Every Child’ initiative to improve the ratio of foster homes to children in Kansas and across the country.
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A few years ago, DCF’s Community Engagement team created what are known as Together Kansas events, designed to connect Kansans like you with local supports, resources and job opportunities.
This year, Together Kansas events will take place in five Kansas communities: Pittsburg, Olathe, Parsons, Wichita and Kansas City. The first event will be April 9 in Pittsburg.
While vendors may vary by location, you can expect a range of community partners and employers.
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As March comes to a close, we recognize Social Work Month and honor those dedicated to serving their communities. This year’s theme, Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform., reflects the values DCF staff show when helping Kansans reach safety, economic and career goals.
To mark Social Work Month, DCF employees described their work in one word, choosing terms like “teamwork,” “advocate” and “empower.”
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Are you a mental health professional looking to strengthen your adoption competency skills? This unique opportunity is tailored to help you better support adopted children, as well as their foster, adoptive and kinship families.
In partnership with the Kansas Post Adoption Resource Center and FosterAdopt Connect, DCF facilitates a free 12-module training series for eligible participants.
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Upcoming dates and events
More than a career with DCF
A career with DCF is an opportunity to thrive personally and professionally while supporting Kansans. We are looking for caring and compassionate people ready to make a difference in their communities. Explore open positions now and learn more about how you could work, believe and thrive with us!
Report abuse or neglect
The Kansas Protection Report Center (KPRC) is always open.
Contact the KPRC at 1-800-922-5330 to report suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation of a child or vulnerable adult.
Service center closure announcements
Sometimes DCF must close service center locations. DCF posts the latest updates about service center locations on our social media pages whenever possible.
Stay informed: Subscribe to all DCF social media accounts and access the latest news releases on DCF’s Newsroom page.
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DCF's mission is to protect children, strengthen families and promote adult self-sufficiency. |
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