TOPEKA: On Thursday, Governor Laura Kelly announced more than $32.5 million in state funds to support the upkeep and improvement of services for crime survivors who are adults or children. Nonprofits that offer services to victims of sexual and domestic abuse, as well as child abuse and neglect, were awarded the state general funding.
Awards were given to three types of organizations: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs, Children’s Advocacy Centers, and organizations that assist survivors of sexual assault and domestic abuse.
Organizations that give outreach, training, and support services to survivors of sexual and domestic violence are vitally funded by the 2026 grants for domestic violence and sexual assault programs. Important organizational requirements like transportation, shelter upkeep and upgrades, and maintaining appropriate workforce levels are also supported by funding. The total amount of funding awarded to 25 organizations was $26,493,242.
Child-focused initiatives known as Children’s Advocacy Centers unite experts to look into and address child maltreatment. In order to improve outcomes and services across systems, the grant program funds the employment and training of personnel to conduct child-sensitive forensic interviews, advocate for victims and non-offending caregivers, and coordinate multidisciplinary teams. The grants totaling $4,836,840 were given to 20 organizations.
Programs known as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) find and prepare volunteers to represent abused and neglected children in court. In order to guarantee that judges have the knowledge necessary to make wise decisions for every child, these monies support staffing and volunteer training. The donations totaling $1,242,574 were given to 21 organizations.
One of the recipients of the $780,974 grant is the Liberal Area Rape Crisis / Domestic Violence Services.
