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DCF Announces Grants
DCF announces Innovative Capacity Building Grants for Therapeutic Family Foster Homes
Kansas to invest more than $4.7 million to grow availability and training of needed services to support families and prevent foster care
TOPEKA – In response to the need to provide more Therapeutic Family Foster Homes (TFFH), the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) announce that seven agencies will receive $4,765,355 in grants to build capacity through innovative approaches that will significantly increase the number of homes available and provide needed training and supportive services.
Last year, the Kansas Legislature appropriated $6 million in State General Funds to support the TFFH capacity building program. TFFH receive increased training and supportive services to provide a temporary home for youth with significant emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs. The homes are part of the continuum level of care and support as a resource for children and families.
“Together, the selected agencies will grow the network of Therapeutic Family Foster Homes while providing meaningful services and supports,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “The approaches by the agencies span a number of thoughtful innovations with an ability to have resources customized to meet a child’s or family’s individualized needs.”
The innovative mix of service delivery options will result in specific recruitment strategies and increased wraparound supports to resource families, biological families and youth. Some grants include collaboration with agencies who operate similar programs or support youth requiring a therapeutic level of care.
“DCF is committed to providing supports and services to all agencies sponsoring these types of homes,” Howard continued.
The grants are effective March 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 with the possibility of three one-year renewals. The remaining $1.2 million of the allocated resources will be available to provide other TFFH supports, training and services.
|
Agency |
Area of focus |
Counties |
Estimated support |
Initial Award Amount: March 1 to June 30, 2024 |
Full grant amount |
|
Cornerstones of Care |
Prevention |
Marshall, Nemaha, Brown, Doniphan, Pottawatomie, Jackson, Jefferson, Wabaunsee and Shawnee |
Therapeutic prevention-based care |
$177,123 |
$512,766 |
|
DCCCA |
Prevention and Foster Care |
Douglas, Johnson, Sedgwick and Crawford |
50 children per year |
$143,905 |
$1,017,306 |
|
Eckerd Connects |
Foster Care |
Butler, Cowley, Reno, Sedgwick and Sumner |
5 to 8 TFFH |
$131,117 |
$332,014 |
|
EmberHope YouthVille |
Foster Care |
Sedgwick |
12 TFFH + 25 percent growth in outyears |
$360,509 |
$1,221,644 |
|
Foster Adopt Connect |
Foster Care |
Bourbon, Crawford, Douglas, Ellis, Johnson, Leavenworth, Reno, Shawnee and Wyandotte |
Rapid expansion of Behavioral Intervention Program |
$82,930 |
$189,507 |
|
KVC |
Foster Care |
Shawnee |
Implementation of The Mockingbird Family Model |
$245,643 |
$532,255 |
|
Pressley Ridge |
Training, Data Collection & Learning Management Software |
Statewide |
Training to staff |
$231,584 |
$959,863 |
Cornerstones of Care: Cornerstones will support families identified through open family preservation cases by supporting safety plan or respite placement options. Additional support will be available to the placement providers such as access to a virtual resource library, a daily reimbursement rate, incentive payments to placement providers, access to functional family therapy, and an in-home support specialist. This program will support increasing the capacity of TFFH homes by engaging in prevention activities to support youth in their homes and communities rather than in out of home care.
DCCCA: DCCCA will focus on the recruiting, training, and sponsoring TFFH to serve youth in DCF custody as well as through therapeutic stability placements. Therapeutic stability placements are designed for youth who are not in the custody of DCF but may be receiving support through Family First Prevention Services, Family Preservation, or Post Adoption Support. DCCCA will employ a dedicated TFFH recruiter, provide in-person and virtual support groups, specialized training for TFFH providers, mentoring, and incentives for youth, parents and placement providers. DCCCA will utilize Behavioral Interventionists as well as Functional Family Therapy when appropriate.
Eckerd Connects: Eckerd Connects will establish five to eight TFFH homes in Sedgwick, Butler, Cowley, Sumner, and Reno counties to provide TFFH services to youth placed in these homes. The approach will include a recruiter/trainer, clinical licensed mental health professional, respite, support groups, mentoring, flex funds and specialized training for TFFH. Eckerd will make their Functional Family Therapy program available to assist with care coordination and rapid response to support TFFH placements. Eckerd is creating a TFFH Peer Respite model to ensure respite support is available to families providing TFFH as well as accessing flex fund supports for TFFH.
EmberHope YouthVille: EmberHope will recruit TFFH families in Sedgwick County for youth between the ages of three and 18. They will provide specialized training for TFFH providers. EmberHope will create a TFFH team including a therapist, foster care worker, supervisor, TFFH recruiter, and quality improvement coordinator. EmberHope will also provide a resource room for TFFH to supply youth and families with hardgoods needed during placement.
Foster Adopt Connect: Foster Adopt Connect will support a rapid expansion of their Behavioral Intervention (BI) Program into Johnson, Wyandotte, Bourbon, Crawford, Shawnee, Douglas, Leavenworth, Reno and Ellis counties. BI is an in-home support that engages both parents and children with daily management of behaviors to decrease the need for short term hospitalization and assist with crisis de-escalation, re-direction, and the teaching of positive replacement behaviors to the youth. BI services can follow the child and be available to support the transition to either the parents’ home or an adoptive placement.
KVC – Mockingbird: KVC will create a Mockingbird Family Model of foster home constellations. These constellations consist of a maximum of 11 families, 10 foster homes and 1 Hub Home. The Hub Home serves to provide support to the homes within the constellation of families. Constellations may include licensed foster homes, relatives or non-related kin placements. The Mockingbird Family Model is designed to assist placement providers in utilizing supports not only from professionals involved in the child welfare system but also their peers. Hub Homes are specially trained to build community within the constellation and maintain open beds to provide respite and emergency supports to other constellation families, and plan social activities for the constellation. KVC will provide support to the hub and constellation through a KVC Liaison staff person, as well as attendant care workers. KVC will utilize the Registered Behavior Technician training to prepare their attendant care staff.
Pressley Ridge: Pressley Ridge will provide TFFH training statewide to agencies in Kansas who wish to utilize this model. Pressley Ridge training will be available in multiple cohorts throughout the state.
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The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) mission is to protect children, strengthen families, and promote adult self-sufficiency. DCF’s more than 35 service centers across the state offer a wide range of support services, including food, utility, child care assistance, child support services, and employment education and training. DCF also partners with grantees to provide foster care services to children, including case planning, placement, life skills, and foster parent recruitment and training. DCF works in partnership with organizations, communities, and other agencies to support families, children, and vulnerable adults, connecting them with resources, supports, and networks in their home communities.
Free Trees Available From Fort Scott Kiwanis: Deadline For Request Is April 13
Among the Fort Scott Kiwanis Club community service projects is a free tree to Bourbon County residents.
The trees were purchased using a Fort Scott Area Community Foundation grant, said Kiwanis member Craig Campbell.
“Sugar Maple was recommended by our area Kansas Forestry expert Tim McDonnell this year,” Campbell said. “Tim is very knowledgeable about what trees thrive in southeast Kansas. Tim also knows the existing tree inventory in Bourbon County and works to ensure we remain diverse to avoid widespread loss due to drought, late freezes, wind, and pests.”
The trees are very hardy 4 to 5 feet tall and in a 3-gallon root ball pail.
“Anyone in Bourbon County who commits to adequately caring for the tree is eligible,” he said. “This requires 5 gallons of water each week regardless of rainfall for the first year. With the drought last year, we asked folks to water every 4 to 5 days.”
The trees will be received by the Kiwanis Club on the last Saturday in April.
“The Kiwanis group will plant trees on the morning of Saturday, May 4th for anyone needing our assistance,” Campbell said. “If the Kiwanis plants them, Tim McDonnell and I will go to each location on April 16th and ‘spot’ the tree for optimum growth, and shade, and to avoid utilities. We do NOT plant under power lines.”
The deadline to request a tree is April 13th.
To apply for a free tree, text your address to Campbell at 620-224-0167.
Fort Scott Kiwanis Club meets at Burris Hall on the Fort Scott Community College campus every Tuesday from 12-1 p.m.
AD: Key Apparel Is Seeking A Print Coordinator
Key Apparel is seeking a motivated person to join our Embellishment Team as a Print Coordinator. This position will work primarily with screen printing and heat transfer processes with an opportunity to learn embroidery. As part of the Embellishment Team, you are responsible for embellishing uniforms, hats, outerwear, and other accessories.
A Print Coordinator should have an eye for detail, be comfortable on their feet and moving product, be able to navigate graphic design software, and be able to create expertly designed prints that fully meet the customer’s expectations. You should have the ability to work efficiently while staying on top of multiple projects. Prior experience is not required, but a willingness and excitement to learn is!
Compensation/Benefits:
Key offers competitive compensation including a highly competitive benefits package.
Please submit your resume to: [email protected], or stop by and pick up an application at our offices located in the Industrial Park at 400 Marble Rd in Ft Scott.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 26
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
March 22, 2024
The Budget is so full of pork, you’d think it’s a bacon factory. It increases spending 13.9%, over $1.2 billion, in just one year. There are some good things in SB 514 – the budget, but the waste far outweighs the good. The final budget bill will be put together in conference committee. Maybe this year, waste will get trimmed. The SB 514 passed 24 to 14. I voted No.
Tax Relief for a second time this session passed the Senate. The first time was CCR 2284 that was vetoed. The second time was SB 539 that passed with a bipartisan veto proof majority. It would provide property, income, and sales tax relief for Kansas taxpayers, but the House buried it in committee. They introduced a tax bill of their own, HB 2844, Monday, held a hearing on it Wednesday and put the contents of HB 2844 in a shell, SB 330 which is a Commerce bill. They passed it out of House Tax on Thursday. It’s difficult to say what will happen, but what we do know is that this bill moves to the left and is a smaller tax cut for Kansans. There is over $3 billion in the state coffers so I am working for maximum tax relief. Kansans need it, especially with cost of food, fuel, and other necessities.
County On License Plate would be required on a majority of license plates and would authorize First City of Kansas (Leavenworth) distinctive license plates. HB 2498 passed unanimously.
Occupational Licensing would be expedited, and fees waived for military service members and spouses residing or planning to reside in Kansas. HB 2745 passed unanimously.
Kansas Commission On Veterans Affairs Office would be reestablished as the Kansas Office of Veterans Services. The Veterans Claims Assistance Program would be updated to include references to the federal Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. HB 2760 passed 40 to 0.
Peer Support Counseling is with peers of similar experience. It would by expanded allowing law enforcement, emergency services, or the Kansas National Guard to utilize more resources for peer support and extend privilege to discussing a critical incident. HB 2557 passed 36 to 4. I voted Yes.
Silver Alert for a missing person would be expanded to include anyone over 18 diagnosed with an intellectual disability. Currently, silver alert is for elderly who are missing. SB 371 passed unanimously.
Ignition Interlock Devices are required for a person convicted of DUI. Currently, they pay a monthly fee for the device and the manufacture pays a fee to the Highway Patrol. SB 493 would establish another fee fund that would be paid by the convicted person to the Highway Patrol for administering the program. This increased cost will not be a deterrent from drunk driving. “I don’t think that you shall see, a fee that doesn’t tax you or me.” It passed 28 to 12. I voted No.
Kansas Credit Unions would be able to operate outside the state. A suspended board member may apply for review that has to occur within 60 days. It would allow the Credit Union Administrator to collect civil penalties. There are several other provisions in the HB 2561 that passed 40 to 0.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Light towers to be replaced on U.S. 69/54 in Bourbon County
Wednesday, April 3, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to begin a project to install new light towers on the U.S. 69 and U.S. 54 interchange north of Fort Scott. The highway shoulders will be closed at the work zone with minimal effects to traffic.
KDOT awarded the construction contract of $396,512 to Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita. Weather permitting, the work should be finished by late May.
Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
160th Street Will Close Tomorrow For One Month
From Bourbon County Public Works, in conjunction with Mission Construction:
160th Street from Express to Fern will be closed for approximately one month beginning tomorrow, March 26th.
Submitted by
Becky Robertson
Bourbon County Public Works
Bird Flu Identified in Two Kansas Diary Operations
HPAI Detection in Kansas Dairy Herds
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA– APHIS), has identified highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two commercial dairy operations. These are the first cases of HPAI in commercial dairy operations in Kansas. Initial testing by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories has not found changes to the virus that indicate mammal-to-mammal transmission, indicating that the risk to the public remains low.
At this stage, there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply or that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health. The pasteurization process of heating milk to a high temperature ensures milk and dairy products can be safely consumed, as confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In line with long-standing policy, the CDC does not recommend consuming unpasteurized milk or raw milk. Pasteurization has continually proven to successfully inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk. Dairies are also required to only allow milk from healthy animals to enter the food supply chain.
We continue to encourage all dairy producers to closely monitor their herd and contact their local veterinarian immediately if cattle appear infected. Symptoms are mostly restricted to late-stage lactating cows and include a drop in milk production, loss of appetite, and changes in manure consistency. We encourage dairy producers to minimize wildlife access to their dairy cattle’s water and feed sources.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment works to protect and improve the health of all Kansans. The agency has been notified of the findings and will monitor the situation as they did for HPAI when it was found in the poultry industry.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to serving Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and the consumers/customers they serve while promoting public health and safety, protecting animal health, and providing consumer protection and food safety to the best of our ability.
HPAI Detection in Kansas Dairy Herds
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City of Fort Scott Special Meeting Agenda for March 26
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR SPECIAL MEETING
OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
March 26, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
Tim VanHoecke, Melissa Guns, Matthew Wells, Dyllon Olson, Tracy Dancer
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Invocation
V. Approval of Agenda
VI. Public Comment – Sign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
VII. New Business
A. Consideration of Change Order No. 2 – Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom Project – Hofer-Hofer & Associates – 1) Furnish and install new TruLog siding and fascia to the exterior walls of the shower house – 2) Work will add six (6) weeks additional time to the completion date from approve of change order –1$13,500.00
VIII. Adjourn
New DCF Building Exterior Framework Is Going Up
The exterior framework began on March 22, on the new Kansas Department of Children and Families building project at Wall Street and National Avenue.
If all goes well, the completion date is July 2024, said Mike Anders, job supervisor of Silverrock Ventures.
The 13,000-square-foot building will house offices, several conference rooms, interview rooms, a large central file room, reception/waiting areas, break rooms, and storage spaces. There is a storm shelter built into the plan.
Kendall Schoenrock, owner, and developer of Silverrock Ventures who is building the new office space for the KDCF, spent time in making the facade of the building fit in with downtown Fort Scott, Anders said.
“It will have a red brick face and a limestone three-foot starter around the bottom of the east and north side,” Anders said. “It will have a different roof to fit in with downtown. It will have outside lighting like that of E3 Ranch, right across the street.”
There will be parking on the north side of the building, on Wall Street, which the building will face. They are also leasing parking spaces from the City of Fort Scott for some parking west of the building, on the south side of that lot.
There is a whole slate of tradesmen lined up for the work ahead: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, framing, masonry, and painting, Anders said.
Skitches Hauling and Excavation, Inc., Fort Scott, was the demolition contractor for the building site.
“He supplied all of our backfill and got our job site ready to build on,” Anders said. “A great guy.”
“We tried to use local contractors,” he said. “A lot are from a 30-mile radius approximately.”
Silverrock Ventures will do the interior finishing he said.
About DCF
The Kansas Department for Children and Families is available to assist with child care and child support, employment education and training, food and cash assistance, support for youth who have experienced foster care, and more.
For further information about services to the community:
https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/Pages/default.aspx
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If you suspect a child or vulnerable adult is being harmed emotionally, physically, or sexually, report it to the Kansas Protection Report Center 24/7 at 1-800-922- 5330 or online.
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Downtown Meet and Greet at City State Bank on April 2
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