Kansas Department of Corrections

The meeting commenced with the formal call to order and a statement regarding the Kansas Open Meetings Act. Key discussions included community program presentations from the SE Kansas Juvenile Detention Center and the Shawnee County juvenile detention center. The committee set the 2026 meeting schedule, stipulating meetings on the third Friday of the first month of each calendar quarter via Zoom, with Chair/Vice-Chair elections scheduled for January 2026. The 2025 JJOC Annual Report was discussed, with subcommittee recommendations to approve and distribute the report, which included a new breakdown of state programs. A legislative update noted an upcoming meeting for the Russ Jennings Interim Committee. The KAG reported meeting statute requirements for appointments and announced the release of an RFP for approximately $373,000 in Title II Funding. Subcommittee updates covered media collaboration on grants, ongoing work with CJI regarding data gaps, progress on Workgroup issues related to House Bill 2329 and group homes, and the Reinvestment subcommittee finalizing FY 2025 expenditure numbers totaling $10.8 million.

Key discussions during the meeting included the election of the Chair and Vice Chair, resulting in Stephanie Springer becoming Chair and Randy Regehr becoming Vice Chair. A significant topic was the Governor's Budget recommendation involving a lapse of $23.6 million from the Evidenced Based Practice Account (EBPA) for FY 2027, causing concerns about a potential deficit. Legislative updates covered HB 2329 regarding juvenile placement and penalties. The Governor's office clarified that the lapse is a recommendation, not a final budget decision. Updates from KAG reported that FY 21 funds were awarded to three subcontractors. Subcommittee reports included data collection efforts, legislative workgroup discussions on HB 2329, a recommendation for KDOC to fund the Keys for Networking program for youth, and efforts by the Communications subcommittee to create a narrative regarding EBPA funding.

The committee discussed community programs, the 2025 JJOC Annual Report, and legislative updates. KAG reported on meeting statute requirements for appointments and the approval of FY 2021 funds, along with releasing an RFP for Title II Funding. Subcommittee updates included communications, data enhancements, and work on House Bill 2329, focusing on data related to group homes. The Reinvestment Subcommittee presented final expenditure numbers for FY 2025 and new projections.

The 2025 Annual Report for the Kansas Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee (JJOC) details the committee's commitment to continuous improvement within the youth justice system. It focuses on sustaining strategies for justice-involved youth, strengthening cross-agency partnerships, and implementing evidence-based practices. The report highlights efforts in evaluating current practices, navigating legislative changes, and making data-informed decisions. It also outlines the work of its subcommittees (Communications, Reinvestment, Legislative, and Data) and reports on performance measures, cross-agency collaborations, and future priorities such as policy adjustments and data infrastructure development to improve outcomes for Kansas youth and families.

The strategic plan focuses on improving behavioral health services for youth with justice experiences in Kansas. It involves a cross-system initiative led by the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), and Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). The goal is to identify, implement, and expand best practices centered on improving community-based services, cross-system collaboration, the efficient use of resources, and outcomes for youth with behavioral health needs who experience the juvenile justice system. The plan includes a state task force and local working groups to align state policies, reduce barriers, maximize funding, and increase collaboration. It also addresses key challenges such as staff hiring and retention, service provider capacity, and rising adolescent mental health issues.