Welcome to the quarterly newsletter for TFI’s Kansas services and programs!
INSIDE:
We believe keeping our community informed of what is happening in Kansas is important. In this issue, you will find the following:
- Foster Parent Highlight – enjoy a look at some of our selfless foster parents.
- Program Highlights – stay up to date on some of TFI’s initiatives in Kansas.
- By the Numbers – learn how Kansas is working to meet outcomes and goals.
Crissy & Baltazar Guzman
Crissy and Baltazar Guzman have been a licensed foster home for multiple years. They recently decided to accept an additional long-term placement on top of the three long-term placements in their home. The child has adjusted well and is working towards reunification with their biological mother. Crissy and Baltazar are in the process of adopting one of the children in their home, who has been placed in the home for two years. Crissy and Baltazar provide respite care and emergency placements to children in need while consistently advocating and meeting the needs of their current placements. The Guzman family continues to support local youth, case teams and community partners through the support and immediate advocacy they provide to youth in need. Thank you, Crissy and Baltazar, for going above and beyond to support children and families!
Clinical Services
Kansas Family Preservation (FPS) Leadership collaborated to implement new training initiatives for the program and the Words & Pictures practice. The training emphasized effective family engagement, relationship-building and developing comprehensive safety plans to promote lasting positive outcomes for families.
Additionally, Sarah Swain, Northwest Region Director of Family Preservation Services was invited by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Program Administration to participate in a group focused on “Setting Up the Child Welfare Workforce for Success.” This group aims to inform high school and college students about careers in child welfare and support them in exploring educational and professional pathways in this field.
Clinical making a difference…
The Northwest Region has supported a family through two family preservation referrals over the past year. In October 2024, the family experienced the tragic loss of their 16-year-old. Before this, the family had made significant progress, improving communication, conflict resolution and coping skills and preparing to close services successfully. They had followed court orders and kept safety plans visible at home.
Following the loss, the team responded promptly to support the family. Case management and therapy services have been provided to help them cope with their grief and rebuild their lives. The family has actively participated in services and openly shared their struggles during this difficult time. After nearly a year of services, this family is successfully closing. This closure is particularly impactful for both the family and TFI.
Grow Nurturing Families
Grow Nurturing Families has served over 20 families from January to April 2025, with seven graduating from the program.
GNF making a difference…
GNF recently supported a family facing challenges with sibling conflicts at home. Initially, progress was gradual, and the child continued to experience difficulties managing his anger and outbursts. Throughout this period, the mother utilized support from her PCIT therapist and Family Support Worker. As she mastered the Child-Directed Interaction (CDI) skills, there was a noticeable improvement: her son became less angry and more cooperative with his siblings. This positive change indicated that the family was ready to advance to the next phase of treatment, the Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI).
After learning the PDI commands and timeout procedures, the mother observed that her son responded well and corrected his behavior quickly to avoid timeout. The PCIT therapist assisted her in establishing appropriate household rules and supported her in encouraging her son to set his own goals for behavior at home. The family successfully completed the PCIT program, with the mother committed to maintaining consistent skills across all her children, fostering a healthier and more harmonious family environment.
To learn more about Grow Nurturing Families and the difference it is making, check out the video click HERE
Kansas Permanency
Kansas has finalized five SOUL Family Legal Permanency agreements to date. This youth-centered legal permanency option, signed into law in April 2024, is the first of its kind in the country and allows youth aged 16 and older in foster care to establish a legal caregiving relationship with one or more adults—called SOUL custodians—while maintaining existing family connections and access to critical benefits. With court approval, supported by caseworkers and caring adults, youth can choose the permanency pathway that best suits their needs. Benefits include continued access to Medicaid, subsidies, financial support for post-secondary education and eligibility for Independent Living benefits.
Kansas Permanency making a difference…
Since 2023, the Kansas Permanency team has been working with a young adult who was not in the best living arrangement. She was able to receive help and was placed in independent living. She has completed her high school education and is now pursuing a pharmacy technician certification while working full time. She reported that her time in independent living provided her with a substantial advantage, enabling her to transition comfortably to independent living.
Kansas Case Management…
We aim to help children return home safely and quickly, because a loving family environment is essential for their well-being. When returning home isn’t an option, we focus on finding permanent, caring families through adoption or other lasting solutions. Our ultimate goal is to ensure every child has a safe, stable and loving place to grow.
