DCF Direct: Foster Youth Voice Month and New Partnership

Kansas Department for Children and Families sent this bulletin at 10/22/2026 01:08 PM CDT

Foster Youth Voice Month

October is Foster Youth Voice Month, empowering youth with foster care experience to share their stories, influence policy, and shape child welfare.

Kansas supports foster youth by giving them a voice in their own care and futures.

Kansas has adopted the SOUL Family Legal Permanency option. This law allows youth to legally designate their own supportive network of trusted adults to become their chosen family.

Learn More About Foster Care Services

New Partnership to Support Kansas Families

DCF is partnering with HealthSource Integrated Solutions to ensure Kansas families can continue to access rapid, community-based care through the statewide Family Mobile Crisis Helpline.

The Family Mobile Crisis Helpline provides a centralized crisis hotline for Kansans aged 20 and younger and their families. Operating through the Kansas Mobile Response Stabilization Model, it delivers in-home and community-based care to reduce the need for restrictive interventions like hospitalization or out-of-home placement.

HealthSource Integrated Solutions will take over services previously provided by Carelon Behavioral Health on Nov. 1, 2026. The two organizations are coordinating to ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted care.

Read More on Partnership

Disability Employment Awareness Month Headline

“Working in McPherson and surrounding counties, it’s an immense privilege to journey with vocational rehabilitation clients towards gaining independence in their employment goals.

It’s a joy to help uncover oftentimes unimagined skills
and talents that also allow them to maximize who they are professionally."

Cheyenne- Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, McPherson

“I came into Vocational Rehabilitation Services without any prior knowledge
of the program.

It’s reinforced my belief that our workplaces and communities are strengthened when people with disabilities are included at every level."

Brooklyn- Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Topeka

“I have never worked someplace with so many caring and dedicated people and where family comes first.

I love that I get to get up every morning and make a positive impact, because I know what it is like to be on the other side of the table, and I am here to help others navigate through the difficulties that they are facing and to let them know that they are not alone.”

Grace- Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Fort Scott

“As a Pre-ETS Transition Specialist, my entire job is to connect youth with disabilities to meaningful jobs and opportunities they might not otherwise consider pursuing.

It’s incredibly rewarding to know that I, as a person with a disability, am now empowered to hold the door open for those who come after me.”

Haylee- Pre-Employment Transition Specialist, Lenexa

“My experiences in Pre-Employment Transition Services with Vocational Rehabilitation Services has given me the opportunity to assist students in achieving their career goals, learning how to advocate for themselves and realize that so much is possible with the right supports and resources.

Being a part of these students’ journeys has been a fulfilling privilege.”

Jennifer- Pre-Employment Transition Services Counselor, Topeka

Learn about Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Building Community Through Partnerships

On Saturday, October 3, the Kansas Department for Children and Families partnered with the Shawnee County Community Developmental Disabilities Organization for a community event.

The groups brought together their unique resources, relationships, and areas of expertise to create an event where families and community members could connect directly with organizations.

Learn More About Community Partnerships

The third annual Together Kansas Fall Bash will take place on Saturday, Oct. 24. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kansas City Service Center, 402 State Ave.

This is a free community event designed to bring families together for a day of fun while connecting with more than 60 community partners and vendors, resources, and career opportunities.