Saint Francis Ministries is among 10 provider agencies awarded Family First Prevention Services grants by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). The grant funds will expand programs that help keep Kansas children safe with their families and prevent them from entering the foster care system.
Saint Francis will receive $4.9 million for its Family-Centered Treatment program and $920,000 for Seeking Safety.
“Prevention work is essential because it allows us to reach families earlier, build on their strengths, and connect them with needed supports,” said Amanda Pfannenstiel, SFM Chief Clinical Officer. “We are proud to continue working alongside DCF, community partners, and families to create lasting stability and hope.”
The grants, which take effect in state fiscal year 2028, build on the success of Family First programs across Kansas, which have helped thousands of children remain safely at home while connecting families with mental health, kinship, parent skill-building, substance use treatment, and other supports they need to thrive.
In 2019, Kansas became one of the first states to implement the Family First Prevention Services Act, bipartisan federal legislation that lets states direct federal foster care funds to prevention programs focused on keeping families together.
“We are incredibly proud of the impact DCF and our partner agencies are making in the lives of Kansas children and families,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “Since 2019, Family First Prevention programs have helped more than 8,300 Kansas children remain with their families and avoid entry into foster care. These outcomes demonstrate the value of investing in families and strengthening them before a crisis occurs.”
DCF awarded grants to 10 provider agencies for 12 distinct Family First Prevention Services programs. The grants will begin July 1, 2027, and include three one-year renewal options. The total budget available per state fiscal year is approximately $23 million, with approximately $11.5 million from State General Funds and the remainder from federal matching funds.
