Kansas Stepping Up for Youth Technical Assistance (TA) Center
In 2024, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly launched the nation’s first Stepping Up for Youth initiative in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Corrections, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, Kansas Department for Children and Families, and the CSG Justice Center.
State and local leaders are working with national experts to implement data-driven systems change that reduces the unnecessary use of detention and increases connections to care for young Kansans with serious behavioral health needs who are at risk of being or are in the juvenile justice system.
The TA center will inform the Kansas Stepping Up for Youth initiative with:
- Connections with sites across Kansas and nationally to facilitate peer learning and provide concrete examples of successful strategies and policies
- Access to national experts and a central information bank on best practices
- Guidance on the high-impact strategies and policies that achieve lasting results
Resources
The Kansas Stepping Up for Youth Technical Assistance Center stemmed from local leaders’ recommendations and offers solutions, data, and insights—some of which are accessible below—that are tailored specifically to participating Kansas counties.
- News: Kansas Counties Pilot New “Stepping Up” Framework to Reduce Youth Detention, Improve Behavioral Health Care
- Publication: Stepping Up for Juvenile Justice in Kansas
- Webinar: Kansas Juvenile Justice Stepping Up Project Overview
- News: Governor Kelly Expands Mental Health Initiative to Kansas’ Juvenile Justice System
- News: Stepping Up for Youth Pilot Program Kicks Off in Great Bend
- News: Shawnee County Launches Youth Stepping Up Initiative
- News: Johnson County Selected as Pilot Site for Kansas Stepping Up for Youth Initiative
- Meeting Minutes: Stepping Up Initiative State Task Force
FAQs
What will my county gain by participating?
The Kansas Stepping Up for Youth TA Center will help your county adapt and implement the Stepping Up model for the juvenile justice system by:
- Applying a youth-centered framework
- Implementing key metrics and establishing data collection and reporting processes
- Designing and implementing localized solutions
Does my county have to be involved in the adult-focused Kansas Stepping Up initiative?
No, but learn more about the state’s broader initiative and how your county can get involved.
How can my county get involved or learn more?
Counties can request support from the Stepping Up for Youth TA Center by completing this form.
How can my state launch a Stepping Up for Youth technical assistance center?
States interested in launching a Stepping Up for Youth TA center can fill out this form.