50th Governor’s Conference Marks Five Decades of Protecting Kansas Children
Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL) hosted the 50th Annual Governor’s Conference for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Oct. 20-22 at the Hyatt Regency Wichita. In partnership with more than 20 sponsoring agencies, the conference remains Kansas’ largest event focused solely on preventing child abuse and neglect. This milestone conference celebrated 50 years of statewide collaboration while looking ahead to the future of prevention.
“For 50 years, the Governor’s Conference has brought people together around one shared goal: helping Kansas children grow up safe and supported,” said KCSL CEO Gail Cozadd. “This anniversary celebrates five decades of progress while calling us to turn today’s knowledge, partnerships and ideas into meaningful action for Kansas families.”
Recognizing the Past While Moving Forward
The Governor’s Conference began in 1976, when Kansas became the first state chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America. KCSL has served as the Prevent Child Abuse Kansas chapter since 1993 and continues to organize the annual conference in partnership with agencies across the state. The conference shares prevention and intervention practices, highlights the needs of children and families, and recognizes people and organizations that provide outstanding service.
“Prevention moves forward when professionals share ideas and build relationships across communities and disciplines,” Cozadd said. “What attendees learned in Wichita will return with them to communities throughout Kansas, where it can make a lasting difference for children and families.”
Three Days of Learning, Inspiration, Connection
Tuesday, Oct. 20:
Registration opened up and participants were encouraged to capture this event at a photobooth and visit vendors lining the halls. The conference began with 11 institute sessions. Attendees participated in focused, interactive learning sessions addressing child and family well-being, prevention strategies and professional practice. In the evening, guests were invited to celebrate at a reception recognizing 50 years of learning, collaboration and progress in child abuse and neglect prevention.
Wednesday, Oct. 29:
The second day opened with a welcome from Cozadd, who guided attendees in a round of the hockey pokey to continue the celebratory spirit. The morning keynote featured Shenandoah Chefalo, founder and principal consultant of Chefalo Consulting, who discussed From Surviving to Shifting Systems: Trauma, Neurobiology, and the Power of Curiosity. Chefalo shared her personal experience growing up in foster care and connected it with research about trauma, neurobiology and Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Workshops throughout the day gave participants opportunities to deepen their knowledge and skills. During the recognition luncheon, attendees heard from Trooper Ben, retired Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper, U.S. Army veteran and public speaker. KCSL presented the 2026 Exemplary Service to Children and Families Award to Sarah Robinson.
Thursday, Oct. 30:
The conference concluded with a presentation from Rick Guidotti, photographer and founder and director of Positive Exposure. Guidotti explored how seeing people beyond a diagnosis can foster inclusion, dignity and a deeper appreciation of shared humanity. Some participants experienced Guidotti’s photography skills firsthand as he conducted 28 interviews and photo shoots with willing attendees. Afterward, two final rounds of workshops were offered.
