The Kansas Department for Children and Families says it has created a new partnership with the Wichita Police Department and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office. The goal of the program is to provide support services to prevent children and families from entering the child welfare system.
DCF Secretary Laura Howard said her department will be funding three community support specialist case manager positions. Two will go to the Wichita Police Department and the third will be placed in the sheriff’s office.
The specialists will visit a family’s home when law enforcement has identified a situation that is in crisis or need of support. The specialists can make referrals to community-based services for parent skill building, home visiting, mental health services and substance use services. The workers can also connect families with education on safe sleep, parental peer support, public health and school district program support.
Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter said in a press release that the specialist position was established late last year and there have been positive results for the community. Wichita police chief Gordon Ramsay said the specialists will work with law enforcement to make sure families are provided with the support and services they need to be successful.
