- 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
March 2026 – Independent Living Benefits + Vital Documents
Join us for an event for youth who have experienced foster care where you can meet other youth in care, learn a life skill and enjoy pizza.
DCF will present everything you need to know about vital documents and Independent Living (IL) benefits to help prepare you for aging out of foster care.
Topeka
March 24, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM
KVC Topeka
419 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
Olathe
March 31, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Ball Event Center – Mabee Learning Room
21350 W 153rd St, Olathe, KS 66061
April 2026 – Bright Futures Financial Literacy Event
This is our largest RYAC event of the year in partnership with Resurrection Church in Leawood.
Youth will participate in a financial literacy presentation and receive a $100 Walmart gift card to complete a guided practice shopping experience. Lunch and additional giveaways will be provided.
April 11, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Resurrection Leawood – Foundry, Building B
13720 Roe Ave, Leawood, KS 66224
May 2026 – Internet Safety
Join us for an interactive session on staying safe online while connecting with other youth in care and enjoying pizza.
Justin Broxterman from Topeka PD/FBI will share practical information on avoiding scams and protecting your personal information.
Olathe
May 2, 2026 | 12:30 – 2:00 PM
Ball Event Center – Mabee Learning Room
Topeka
May 12, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM
KVC Topeka
June 2026 – Workplace Communication & Labor Rights
Learn about employment, professionalism and workplace rights while connecting with other youth and enjoying pizza.
Nick Kraly will present on labor rights, professionalism, communication with supervisors and workplace expectations.
Topeka
June 6, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Olathe
June 27, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Join us for an event for youth who have experienced foster care where you can meet other youth in care, learn a life skill and enjoy pizza.
DCF will present everything you need to know about vital documents and Independent Living (IL) benefits to help prepare you for aging out of foster care.
Topeka
March 24, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM
KVC Topeka
419 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
Olathe
March 31, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Ball Event Center – Mabee Learning Room
21350 W 153rd St, Olathe, KS 66061
This is our largest RYAC event of the year in partnership with Resurrection Church in Leawood.
Youth will participate in a financial literacy presentation and receive a $100 Walmart gift card to complete a guided practice shopping experience. Lunch and additional giveaways will be provided.
April 11, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Resurrection Leawood – Foundry, Building B
13720 Roe Ave, Leawood, KS 66224
Join us for an interactive session on staying safe online while connecting with other youth in care and enjoying pizza.
Justin Broxterman from Topeka PD/FBI will share practical information on avoiding scams and protecting your personal information.
Olathe
May 2, 2026 | 12:30 – 2:00 PM
Ball Event Center – Mabee Learning Room
Topeka
May 12, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM
KVC Topeka
Learn about employment, professionalism and workplace rights while connecting with other youth and enjoying pizza.
Nick Kraly will present on labor rights, professionalism, communication with supervisors and workplace expectations.
Topeka
June 6, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Olathe
June 27, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Registration Links
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