Stability is essential for every child and teen in foster care. That’s why, as of March 1, KVC Kansas eliminated one-night emergency placements and now requires all youth remain in a placement for at least 15 days.

How This Helps Youth in Foster Care

Short-term placements and frequent moves make it difficult for children and teens to feel secure and achieve timely permanency. Plus, these constant disruptions add to the trauma of family separation. Research shows that each school move causes youth in foster care to lose four to six months of academic progress. With multiple moves, the impact on their education and overall wellbeing can be profound and long-lasting.

By ensuring youth stay in a stable home for at least 15 days, we can ensure: 

• More Stability & Security – Youth are able to develop stronger, lasting connections and a greater sense of safety.
• Increased Timely Permanency – Children and teens have the opportunity to achieve timely permanency. Stability also helps families and case teams work toward safe family reunification, and if reunification isn’t possible, improves outcomes for other permanency goals.
• Access to Essential Services – Youth enroll at a stable school and receive effective mental health support and access other necessary services much sooner.
• Comforting Experiences – Youth have time to eat meals, relax and spend quality time with their foster parents instead of experiencing late-night drop-offs and early-morning pickups.

Support for Foster Parents 

We understand that this change also impacts you as a foster parent, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Here’s how:

• Stronger Support System – You’ll have access to day services through KVC’s Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) and respite care through partnerships with other foster parents.
• More Consistency – Instead of welcoming a new child or teen every night, you’ll have the opportunity to build a stronger connection with the same child or teen. This creates a more stable routine for everyone while also making it easier to keep track of their redbook, belongings and medication.
• Thoughtful Matches – We can focus on even more thoughtful matches between you and the youth in your care. When possible, pre-placement visits can help you and the child or teen get to know one another, making the transition smoother for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is KVC Kansas the only case management provider eliminating one-night emergency placements and requiring all youth remain in a placement for at least 15 days?

KVC Kansas is currently the only foster care case management provider that has officially committed to ending one-night emergency placements and requiring that all youth remain in a placement for at least 15 days. However, all Kansas foster care case management providers, residential facilities and child placing agencies have been involved in ongoing discussions about the need to improve placement stability. While the entire state is working toward this goal, KVC Kansas is leading the way by taking action now to provide greater stability for the children and teens we serve.

How will this impact my role as a foster parent?

Foster parents will now provide care to youth for at least 15 days, which means fewer disruptions and more opportunities to build meaningful connections with the youth in your care. While the minimum length of stay is changing, the compassion, support and care you provide remain just as important in creating a stable, nurturing environment for children and teens in need.

Will respite care still be available?

Yes! Respite care remains available, and every foster home still receives at least two free respite days per month to ensure you have the support you need. Respite care is not considered a one-night placement.

What services will youth receive?

To ensure a smooth transition, youth will be enrolled in school within your district and will begin attending as soon as possible. They will also be connected to mental health services with the guidance and support of your family service coordinator (FSC) and/or the youth’s case management team. To ensure timely care, you can take the youth directly to your local community mental health center for an appointment—no prior referral needed. Any additional services the youth requires will also be arranged. We’re here to partner with you, providing the support you need so both you and the youth in your care can thrive.