- Services
Core Services
Families First
Children and teens belong with their own families whenever possible. KVC works to safely reunify hundreds of families each year by providing parenting skills training, therapy and other support.
Caring People Needed
On any given day, KVC Kansas provides out-of-home care for thousands of children and teens. Relatives, non-related kin like teachers and neighbors, and foster parents are all critical to providing temporary care for these children and teens. See how you can make a difference as a foster parent.
- Get Involved
Children and Families Need You
Through KVC, you can strengthen families, prevent child abuse and neglect, and help create a bright future where every person is safe and connected to a strong family and a healthy community. Please join us today! Learn More
Help Children and Families in Need
- Explore the Best Ways to Get Involved
- Become a Foster Parent
- Explore Careers
- Donate Money or Basic Supplies
- Donate School Supplies
- Donate Holiday Gifts
- Involve Your Faith Community
- Volunteer
- Explore Internship & Practicum Opportunities
- Advocate Resources
- Download Parenting and Mental Health Resources
- Events
- Impact
- Resources
Overview
Our free resources help you stay informed and educated about foster care, child welfare, adoption, mental health and childhood trauma as well as how KVC Kansas is working toward building healthier communities.
- About Us
About KVC Kansas
KVC Kansas is a private, nonprofit organization that serves over 12,000 children, teens and adults each year. Our team of caring professionals provides family strengthening and foster care prevention services, foster care case management, family reunification services, foster family recruitment and support, kinship care, adoption, aftercare, outpatient therapy and more.
We envision a world in which every person is safe and connected to a strong family and a healthy community.
- Blog
Regional Youth Advisory Council (RYAC)
Empowering youth to build skills, connections and confidence for the future.
What RYAC Is
RYAC is a monthly gathering for young people who have lived in foster care. It’s a place to learn practical skills, meet peers and enjoy a free dinner in a safe, welcoming space. Each meeting brings in community partners to teach real‑world topics, from housing rights to budgeting, so you feel prepared for adulthood.
Who Can Join
Anyone aged 14–20 in Kansas who has been in foster care (DCF, KDOC-JS or Tribal Authority) is welcome. You don’t need to currently be in care to attend.
What You’ll Learn
Below are some recent topics, showing the variety of skills and knowledge you can gain:
Budgeting & Financial Aid
Practice grocery budgeting and get help navigating college financial aid forms.
Rights & Legal Navigation
Understand tenant and landlord responsibilities, and get tips for youth court reports.
Career & Labor Rights
Learn about your rights as an employee and practice workplace communication.
Vital Docs & Benefits
Learn how to secure your vital documents and navigate aging‑out benefits.
Internet Safety
Learn how to protect your identity, stay safe online, and avoid modern scams.
Communication & Relationships
Build healthy relationships, set boundaries, and develop storytelling skills.
These sessions are chosen with input from youth to ensure they address real needs.
Why Join
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Practical skill‑building: Get hands‑on experience with money management, renting, job readiness and more.
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Connection & support: Meet peers who “get it” and share stories over dinner.
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Voice & leadership: Interested participants can apply for the Kansas Youth Advisory Council (KYAC), where youth advise policymakers and earn a stipend ($25/hr) for their time.
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Self‑advocacy: Understanding your rights helps you navigate transitions confidently.
Upcoming Events
August 2026 – How to Get a Job
Ready to get a job? Join us for a practical session on building your resume, preparing for interviews, finding job openings and more. Vicky Payne from VP Career Exploration will share tips to help you feel more prepared to start your job search.
You’ll also learn about the Kansas Youth Advisory Council (KYAC), including an opportunity to get paid for attending RYAC if you are already a KYAC member. Pizza and activities will be provided.
Olathe
August 22, 2026 | 12:30 – 2:00 PM
Ball Event Center
21350 W 153rd St, Olathe, KS 66061
Topeka
August 27, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
KVC Topeka
419 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
September 2026 – Knowing Your Rights in Care
Learn more about your rights while in foster care and how to fill out youth court reports. The Office of the Child Advocate will lead this session and share practical information you can use.
Youth who attended the 2026 KYAC Summer Conference will receive Part 2 of the presentation offered at the conference. Youth who did not attend will also find helpful information in this approachable session. Activities, pizza and time to connect with other youth in care will be included.
Topeka
September 24, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
KVC Topeka
419 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
Olathe
September 26, 2026 | 12:30 – 2:00 PM
Ball Event Center
21350 W 153rd St, Olathe, KS 66061
October 2026 – Healthcare After Foster Care
What does healthcare look like after foster care? Jeremy Bauer, Foster Care Liaison at Healthy Blue KS, will share information about healthcare coverage and how to access it after foster care.
You’ll also learn about the importance of regular checkups, preventive care and knowing when to use urgent care. Bring your questions, meet other youth in care and enjoy pizza.
Olathe
October 10, 2026 | 12:30 – 2:00 PM
Ball Event Center
21350 W 153rd St, Olathe, KS 66061
Topeka
October 22, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
KVC Topeka
419 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
November 2026 – Touring Job Corps
Get an inside look at Job Corps and explore opportunities for education, career training and employment. Youth will tour the Flint Hills Job Corps location in Manhattan, explore interactive stations and learn about programs available in a variety of career fields, including Dental Assistant training.
Job Corps will provide transportation to the location, food and opportunities to ask questions of students currently in the program. This event is open to youth from across Kansas.
November 14, 2026
Flint Hills Job Corps
Manhattan, Kansas
Ready to get a job? Join us for a practical session on building your resume, preparing for interviews, finding job openings and more. Vicky Payne from VP Career Exploration will share tips to help you feel more prepared to start your job search.
You’ll also learn about the Kansas Youth Advisory Council (KYAC), including an opportunity to get paid for attending RYAC if you are already a KYAC member. Pizza and activities will be provided.
Olathe
August 22, 2026 | 12:30 – 2:00 PM
Ball Event Center
21350 W 153rd St, Olathe, KS 66061
Topeka
August 27, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
KVC Topeka
419 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
Learn more about your rights while in foster care and how to fill out youth court reports. The Office of the Child Advocate will lead this session and share practical information you can use.
Youth who attended the 2026 KYAC Summer Conference will receive Part 2 of the presentation offered at the conference. Youth who did not attend will also find helpful information in this approachable session. Activities, pizza and time to connect with other youth in care will be included.
Topeka
September 24, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
KVC Topeka
419 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
Olathe
September 26, 2026 | 12:30 – 2:00 PM
Ball Event Center
21350 W 153rd St, Olathe, KS 66061
What does healthcare look like after foster care? Jeremy Bauer, Foster Care Liaison at Healthy Blue KS, will share information about healthcare coverage and how to access it after foster care.
You’ll also learn about the importance of regular checkups, preventive care and knowing when to use urgent care. Bring your questions, meet other youth in care and enjoy pizza.
Olathe
October 10, 2026 | 12:30 – 2:00 PM
Ball Event Center
21350 W 153rd St, Olathe, KS 66061
Topeka
October 22, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
KVC Topeka
419 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
Get an inside look at Job Corps and explore opportunities for education, career training and employment. Youth will tour the Flint Hills Job Corps location in Manhattan, explore interactive stations and learn about programs available in a variety of career fields, including Dental Assistant training.
Job Corps will provide transportation to the location, food and opportunities to ask questions of students currently in the program. This event is open to youth from across Kansas.
November 14, 2026
Flint Hills Job Corps
Manhattan, Kansas
Want to Get Involved?
If you are, or know a youth who’s experienced foster care and wants to learn, lead or connect, RYAC is for you.
Apply for KYAC statewide here:
www.dccca.org/membership-application/
Follow KVC Kansas on Facebook for updates and upcoming RYAC events.
Additional Resources for Youth & Caregivers
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Independent Living Services – support for youth transitioning out of care
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SOUL Family Permanency Option – new permanency path for older teens
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Therapy & Medication Management – confidential mental health care
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Foster Care Bill of Rights – know your rights as a young person in care
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Connect Parent Groups – support for caregivers raising teens