Stopping child abuse before it happens improves outcomes for children, families and society. KCSL helps create safe, healthy spaces where families can spend time together, support each other and thrive.
As the Kansas chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, KCSL works to build awareness, educate, organize activities and lead advocacy efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect. Children thrive when families get the right support when and where they need it, without stigma and before a crisis. KCSL strengthens families, protects children and prevents child abuse and neglect through proven prevention programs.
KCSL’s Crisis Nursery offers short-term care services for children in Sedgwick County when parents are experiencing crisis or extreme stress. Crisis Nursery assists with emergency childcare when unexpected situations occur including parental or sibling illness or death; lack of utilities, food or shelter; domestic violence; the need for drug alcohol treatment; or other emergency situations that jeopardize the safety and well-being of the child.
KCSL’s Crisis Nursery professionals work directly with parents to ensure child safety in emergency or crisis situations. The case manager will provide pre-screening and follow-up services to parents. These services include information and connection to community resources including food banks, health/wellness checks and family services (employment,
food assistance, child care subsidies).
KCSL is an accredited multi-site system through Healthy Families America®. We use a nationally recognized, evidence-based early childhood home visiting model designed to work with overburdened families who are at-risk for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) including maltreatment. Healthy Families Kansas™ embodies an infant mental health approach with the belief that early, nurturing relationships are the foundation for lifelong, healthy development.
KCSL’s Healthy Families Kansas™ program provides free, intensive, home-based services and parenting support to qualifying pregnant mothers and parents of children ages 0-3 with certain risk factors. These risk factors include lack of parenting skills, illness, unemployment, a history of ACEs or family abuse and neglect and more. Home visitation specialists provide coaching for positive parent-child interaction, education on infant and child development and developmental screenings, community resource information and other support services.
Our program serves families in 44 counties statewide.
KCSL’s Parent-Child Assistance Program (P-CAP) provides voluntary, intensive in-home case management services for pregnant women and families who have children under the age of 1 year old and are currently using or have recently used substances. Early identification and weekly support help prevent child abuse and neglect and improve family functioning. We aim to help in the recovery process, prevent child abuse and neglect, encourage self-sufficiency, and foster healthy child development. Our case management services for P-CAP address the child’s needs and any family medical needs along with linking families to resources in the community.
KCSL’s P-CAP serves families in Shawnee County.
KCSL coordinates the effort to bring this evidence-based program to communities across Kansas to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome and educate new parents.
A Center for Disease Control and Prevention program that coordinates a coalition of 30 agencies in the state of Kansas. These agencies work together to develop strategies to promote strong family relationships and healthy environments for Kansas children while mitigating Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
KCSL oversees a coalition of 60 agencies across the states to carry out child abuse prevention initiatives and bring awareness to this issue.
99%
of children served through KCSL intensive services remain safely at home with their parent.
You can help make child abuse prevention a priority in Kansas and across the nation by getting involved in community activities and supporting policies that protect children and strengthen families. Consider reaching out to lawmakers to share why funding and programs for child abuse prevention matter.
We all play a role in supporting children, whether as neighbors, educators, caregivers or family members. Get involved with KCSL by volunteering, joining a local committee or serving on our board that focuses on prevention efforts. Together, we can strengthen families and protect children in our communities.
Providing a safe, healthy and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow is one of the best investments we can make. Reach out to your local school district, faith-based communities and organizations about sponsoring classes for parents in your community. Think about becoming a mentor for new parents or consider sharing your knowledge on the subject with friends, family and neighbors.
87%
of KCSL parents increased family functioning.
Children thrive with the support of engaged communities and nurturing families. Familiarize yourself with the resources available in your community then share your knowledge with vulnerable children and families in your area. To learn more about the services in your area, call 1-800-CHILDREN.
Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect. If you suspect abuse or neglect, call 1-800-922-5330.
Call (877) 530-5275 for more information.