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SRS has offices statewide where direct services are offered for the programs and services administered by the agency. See our locations map to find a service center or community access point near you.  

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Adult Services

ADA Coordinator :
The State ADA Coordinator oversees the State of Kansas compliance with, and implementation of, the Americans' with Disabilities Act and applicable State law. The ADA requires that the States' programs, services, and activities be accessible to, and usable by, people with disabilities when viewed in its entirety. If the public has general questions about the ADA and its rules and regulations or if the public believes the law is not complied with by the State of Kansas they may file a complaint. 

Adult Protective Services:
Services to vulnerable adults age 18 and above, without regard to income, to prevent or alleviate abuse, neglect, exploitation, or fiduciary abuse. Vulnerable adults are those individuals who are unable to protect their own interests and who are harmed or threatened with harm through action or inaction by themselves or others.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Assessment Centers:
SRS  funds five regional alcohol and drug assessment centers that provide on-site assessment and referrals to the treatment service that best meets customer needs. 

Assistive Technology:
SRS receives state general funds to provide assistive technology for Kansans with disabilities. Through a cooperative agreement, the administration of this fund is out-sourced to United Cerebral Palsy of Kansas (UCPK), Wichita.

Blind, Services for the:
Services for persons who are blind, visually impaired or deaf-blind including Vocational Rehabilitation; The Rehabilitation Center for the Blind (RCB); Kansas Seniors Achieving Independent Living (KAN-SAIL); The Business Enterprise Program (BEP); Kansas Industries for the Blind (KIB).

Client Assistance Program (CAP):
The CAP program serves Kansas Rehabilitation Services clients and applicants, individuals served by other programs and the general public with information and referrals. It also provides ADA information, assistance in appealing agency decisions and alternative dispute resolution.

Commodity Food Distribution:
The five federally-funded commodity programs provide food for distribution to low-income households, charitable institutions, soup kitchens, elderly food programs,  pregnant or nursing women,  and children under the age of five.

Community Mental Health Services:
Since mental health reform, the focus has been and continues to be reducing the dependence on costly and intrusive services provided by state mental health hospitals (SMHHS). The role of SMHHS is seen as a provider of acute care, thus providing a safety net for Kansans who require inpatient mental health services.

Community Residential Services (for Adults):
SRS Medical Policy Division oversees the Medicaid reimbursement for the 14 nursing facilities for mental health (nfmh) in the state which are licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Community Supports and Services:
This program sets policy for the delivery of community services to persons with disabilities and the use of state and federal funds. Services are delivered through Community Developmental Disability Organizations, Centers for Independent Living, and other community partners.

Consumer-run Organizations:
SRS provides funding for local mental health consumer-run organizations. These groups provide a range of consumer-run, self-help services throughout the state and are independent of local community mental health centers. Services include drop-in centers, temporary shelter, and transportation.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Kansas Commission for:
KCDHH offers advocacy, information and referral, sign language interpreter registration, coordination of interpreting services, and the Kansas Quality Assurance Screening for certification of sign language interpreters.

Developmental Disabilities - State Institutions:
Parsons State Hospital and Training Center and the Kansas Neurological Institute provide training and support for residents toward meeting their individual goals. Staff work closely with Community Developmental Disability Organization staff to create and support opportunities for placement of clients in their respective home communities.

Disability Determination Services:
(DDS) makes initial and first-level appellate disability and blindness determinations for the Social Security Administration on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims filed in Kansas. DDS also conducts reviews of the cases of individuals already receiving benefits to determine if they continue to quality for benefits; conducts hearings in cases where SSDI or SSI eligibility is found to have ceased; and makes Medicaid eligibility determinations for individuals who do not meet the financial requirements for SSI.

Division of Assets:
The spousal impoverishment provisions of the Medicaid program changes the Medicaid eligibility requirements for a person who needs long term care in a nursing home or Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) setting when there is a spouse who remains at home. It protects a portion of the couple's income and resources so the spouse at home is not reduced to poverty. At the same time, these provisions help the spouse needing long-term medical care to qualify for Medicaid benefits, which can help in paying for that care.

Elderly and Persons with Disabilites:
Many medical programs are available to assist the elderly and persons with disabilities. These programs are for people 65 or older or for those who meet Social Security's disability rules. There are several general rules that must be met to quality for these programs, including state residency and citizenship. Each program may also have its own requirements. These programs can be a great financial help to those who are eligible.

Food Assistance (FS):
The Food Assistance (food stamp) program is offered to individuals and families with income below 130 percent of the national poverty level. Forty-eight percent of Food Stamp households are persons who are elderly and/or disabled. Of the remaining households, nearly half are employed. Approximately 50 percent of Food Stamp recipients are children.

The Food Assistance Program is a nutrition assistance program which provides a Vision card (plastic debit card) to eligible persons for use in purchasing food from local grocery stores. Complete information regarding food stamp eligibility can be obtained by contacting your local Social and Rehabilitation Services Office.


Funeral Assistance:
The Funeral Assistance program provides funds for low-cost funerals for some public assistance recipients.

General Assistance (GA):
A state-funded cash assistance program for adults who cannot support themselves because of a serious physical or mental disability. General Assistance recipients must pursue Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility.

Home and Community Bases Services (HCBS):
Home and Community Based services for persons with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities are made possible through Medicaid waivers. These services are intended as an alternative to institutional services. Each waiver offers services for a specifc group: Head Injury, Technology Assistance, Physical Disability, Frail and Elderly, Developmental Disabilities, and Children with Severe Emotional Disturbance. Under each waiver category you will find information about the eligibility group, level of care requirements, case management, financial eligibility rules, services, quality assurance, and other waiver facts.

Immigrant Assistance:
Under certain conditions, legal non-citizens living in the State of Kansas may qualify for cash, child care, and medical assistance.

Independent Living (medical):
The division manages programs in independent living which offer an array of services for individuals requiring assistance with personal, nursing/medical, and social needs. These services allow individuals to remain in their own home as an alternative to costly institutional care.

Intermediate Care Facilities/MR (Private):
  These are privately operated intermediate care facilities for persons with mental retardation or related conditions. The facilities are funded by Medicaid, must serve at least four persons per facility, and provide continuous active treatment in compliance with federal regulations.

Low Income Energy Assistance (LIEAP):
The LIEAP provides energy assistance to households with income under 130 percent of the national poverty level during state fiscal year 2000. The elderly and disabled, and families with children are the primary groups assisted. Applications for the annual benefit are taken during January through March.

Medicaid:
Medicaid is a federal/state matching-funds program that provides preventive, primary, and acute health services for low-income individuals, children and families.

Medical Assistance:
The Division of Health Care Policy sets policy for programs that deliver an array of health care services to eligible Kansans. Included within the Health Care Policy Division is Medicaid and Medical Policy; Mental Health, Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery; Community Supports and Services, which includes oversight and policy for the systems serving persons with physical and developmental disabilities; and Management Operations. Also included is oversight of the state�s mental health and retardation hospitals and the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.

         Medical Assistance - Pregnant Women:
The Division of Health Care Policy sets policy for programs that deliver an array of health care services to eligible Kansans. Included within the Health Care Policy Division is Medicaid and Medical Policy; Mental Health, Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery; Community Supports and Services, which includes oversight and policy for the systems serving persons with physical and developmental disabilities; and Management Operations. Also included is oversight of the state’s mental health and retardation hospitals and the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.

This Section of Information and Links focuses on Medical Assistance and Services for Pregnant Women.


         Medical Spenddown:
Under Medicaid rules, States are mandated to provide medical assistance for persons that are eligible for either AFDC or SSI cash benefits. In addition, there are also mandates for coverage of children and pregnant women under poverty level guidelines as well as other groups such as children in foster care and adoption support. These groups are referred to as the "categorically needy."

States also have the option to cover persons who would be eligible for one of the programs listed above except for income. This group is referred to as the "medically needy." Kansas has historically operated a medically needy program and coverage is currently provided to children up to age 18, pregnant women, and the elderly and disabled.

The medically needy concept allows for persons with income in excess of the categorically needy standards to "spenddown" that excess through application of medical expenses and thereby qualify for medical assistance.


Mental Health Hospitals:
Since mental health reform, the focus has been and continues to be reducing the dependence on costly and intrusive services provided by state mental health hospitals (SMHHS). The role of SMHHS is seen as a provider of acute care, thus providing a safety net for Kansans who require inpatient mental health services.

Mental Retardation:
State Mental Retardation Hospitals provide training and support for residents toward meeting their individual goals. Staff work closely with Community Developmental Disability Organization staff to create and support opportunities for placement of clients in their respective home communities.

Newborn Protection:
Having a baby is a life changing event that can be both joyful and scary. Because of this, not everyone is ready to care for an infant and raise a child. The parent or parents of an infant less than 45 days old can leave their unharmed baby with an employee of a city or county health department, fire station, or medical facility under the Newborn Protection Act without being prosecuted.

Refugee Assistance:
The Refugee program provides essential services to households to aid in their resettlement in the United States. Kansas first received federal reimbursement for refugee services in 1975 under the Immigration and Naturalization Act. The Refugee Assistance Act of 1980 authorized federal funding for social services. The program provides both cash assistance and social services to eligible refugees.

Safe at Home Program:
The Safe at Home (SaH) Program (SB 2928) was enacted by the Kansas Legislature in 2006 to provide a confidential address program to benefit victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and/or human trafficking who have moved to a new location that is unknown to their abuser. SaH Program is administered through the Secretary of State’s (SOS) office.

Sexual Predator Treatment Program:
Ensures the safe, secure and humane care of residents committed by the courts to the program. The program strives to: provide a safe and secure commitment confinement for the residents, public and staff; provide treatment opportunities and behavioral education activities for residents; maintain positive facility/unit living and working environments; manage human, equipment and fiscal resources responsibly; and, maintain cooperative working relationships with the external environment.

Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery:
SRS (satr) administers state and federal funds, assures quality of care standards, promotes effective public policy, and develops and evaluates programmatic and human resources to reduce tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use in Kansas.In five service delivery regions, satr contracts with a statewide network of 70 private providers to provide treatment services including detoxification, outpatient, residential, and clinically indicated continuing care services.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR):
Vocational Rehabilitation services are the cornerstone of our efforts to help people with disabilities become gainfully employed and self-reliant. Vocational Rehabilitation plans emphasize individualized community-based services, integration and consumer choice.   Services may in-clude vocational assessment; counseling and guidance; physical and mental restoration; training; rehabilitation technology; job placement, supported employment, and transition planning services for students with severe disabilities.

Weatherization (K-WAP):
The Kansas Weatherization Assistance Program (K-WAP) operates year round and is an energy conservation program that helps qualified households pay for home weatherization needs. Stop getting zapped by those high energy bills. Take steps toward conserving energy and lowering utility bills by applying for weatherization today.

Working Healthy:
Many people with disabilities want to work but worry that doing so could jeopardize their vital health and long term care coverage. The Working Healthy Program offers people with disabilities who are working or interested in working the opportunity to get or keep Medicaid coverage.

Back to the top

Child Services

Adoption Assistance:
State and federal statutes provide for adoption support payments to assist adoptive families in meeting the special needs of the children they adopt. SRS staff are responsible for identifying children who have special needs that present financial barriers to adoption.

Adoption Services:
Services to benefit children whose parental rights have been terminated or relinquished by providing the child with a permanent family.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Assessment Centers:
SRS funds five regional alcohol and drug assessment centers that provide on-site assessment and referrals to the treatment service that best meets customer needs.

Assistive Technology:
SRS receives state general funds to provide assistive technology for Kansans with disabilities. Through a cooperative agreement, the administration of this fund is out-sourced to United Cerebral Palsy of Kansas (UCPK), Wichita.

Blind, Services for the:
Services for persons who are blind, visually impaired or deaf-blind including Vocational Rehabilitation; The Rehabilitation Center for the Blind (RCB); Kansas Seniors Achieving Independent Living (KAN-SAIL); The Business Enterprise Program (BEP); Kansas Industries for the Blind (KIB).

Child Care:
The Child Care program provides subsidized child care to welfare recipients to help them obtain employment, leave welfare, and stay employed; to low-income employed families and to Food Stamp recipients engaged in employment, education, and training.

Child Protective Services:
When a report of abuse or neglect is made to SRS, an Initial Assessment is completed to determine if SRS should become involved. If the report meets the criteria for SRS involvement, it is investigated by a social worker or special investigator. Law enforcement may also investigate if a social worker is not available or a joint investigation is warranted. If it is determined that a child's safety is at risk, then a recommendation is made by SRS or law enforcement to the court regarding the necessary action that should be taken.

Child Support Enforcement:
CSE is a federal, state, private, and county operation, providing a full range of child and medical support services, from establishing paternity and establishment of support orders to modifications and enforcement through state staff and contractors.

Community Mental Health Services:
Since mental health reform, the focus has been and continues to be reducing the dependence on costly and intrusive services provided by state mental health hospitals (SMHHS). The role of SMHHS is seen as a provider of acute care, thus providing a safety net for Kansans who require inpatient mental health services.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Kansas Commission for:
KCDHH offers advocacy, information and referral, sign language interpreter registration, coordination of interpreting services, and the Kansas Quality Assurance Screening for certification of sign language interpreters.

Developmental Disabilities - State Institutions:
Parsons State Hospital and Training Center and the Kansas Neurological Institute provide training and support for residents toward meeting their individual goals. Staff work closely with Community Developmental Disability Organization staff to create and support opportunities for placement of clients in their respective home communities.

Disability Determination Services:
(DDS) makes initial and first-level appellate disability and blindness determinations for the Social Security Administration on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims filed in Kansas. DDS also conducts reviews of the cases of individuals already receiving benefits to determine if they continue to quality for benefits; conducts hearings in cases where SSDI or SSI eligibility is found to have ceased; and makes Medicaid eligibility determinations for individuals who do not meet the financial requirements for SSI.

Family Preservation:
Intensive in-home services offered to families who are in imminent danger of having a child come into the custody of the department and removed from their home unless the family can make the changes necessary to provide adequate care and safety. These services assist the family in identifying and understanding the problems within the family that place a child at risk of out-of-home placement and assist them in finding ways to change how the family unit functions.

Family Services:
Essential services to children and families including child protective services, family based assessments, family support services, eligibility determination, and information and referral. These services are provided by Children and Family Services staff in the local srs offices.

Food Assistance (FS):
The Food Assistance (food stamp) program is offered to individuals and families with income below 130 percent of the national poverty level. Forty-eight percent of Food Stamp households are persons who are elderly and/or disabled. Of the remaining households, nearly half are employed. Approximately 50 percent of Food Stamp recipients are children.

The Food Assistance Program is a nutrition assistance program which provides a Vision card (plastic debit card) to eligible persons for use in purchasing food from local grocery stores. Complete information regarding food stamp eligibility can be obtained by contacting your local Social and Rehabilitation Services Office.


Foster Care/Reintegration:
Services provided to children and families when the court has found the child to be in need of care and the parents are not able to meet the safety and care needs of the child.

Grandparents as Caregivers:
Grandparents as Caregivers Assistance (GP as CG) program will provide monthly financial assistance to grandparents or other relatives raising children.

Head Start and Early Head Start:
In 1998, the Kansas Legislature approved a state Early Head Start initiative as a joint endeavor with the federal government. Early intervention through high-quality programs enhances children’s development during their formative years, enables parents to be better caretakers and teachers to their children, and helps parents meet their own goals, including economic independence.

Health Wave:
Health Wave began January 1, 1999 under Title xxi of the Social Security Act, providing health insurance for uninsured children through a combination of state and federal funds. 

Home and Community Bases Services (HCBS):
Home and Community Based services for persons with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities are made possible through Medicaid waivers. These services are intended as an alternative to institutional services. Each waiver offers services for a specifc group: Head Injury, Technology Assistance, Physical Disability, Frail and Elderly, Developmental Disabilities, and Children with Severe Emotional Disturbance. Under each waiver category you will find information about the eligibility group, level of care requirements, case management, financial eligibility rules, services, quality assurance, and other waiver facts.

Independent Living (youth):
Services to youth over age 16 who are in foster care or who were in foster care to help them transition to independence. These youth are to be assessed in their knowledge and skills related to daily living, money management, education, and employment.

Medicaid:
Medicaid is a federal/state matching-funds program that provides preventive, primary, and acute health services for low-income individuals, children and families.

Medical Assistance:
The Division of Health Care Policy sets policy for programs that deliver an array of health care services to eligible Kansans. Included within the Health Care Policy Division is Medicaid and Medical Policy; Mental Health, Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery; Community Supports and Services, which includes oversight and policy for the systems serving persons with physical and developmental disabilities; and Management Operations. Also included is oversight of the state�s mental health and retardation hospitals and the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.

         Medical Assistance - Children:
The Division of Health Care Policy sets policy for programs that deliver an array of health care services to eligible Kansans. Included within the Health Care Policy Division is Medicaid and Medical Policy; Mental Health, Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery; Community Supports and Services, which includes oversight and policy for the systems serving persons with physical and developmental disabilities; and Management Operations. Also included is oversight of the state’s mental health and retardation hospitals and the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.

This Section of Information and Links focuses on Medical Assitance and Services for Children.

          Medical Assistance - Pregnant Women:
The Division of Health Care Policy sets policy for programs that deliver an array of health care services to eligible Kansans. Included within the Health Care Policy Division is Medicaid and Medical Policy; Mental Health, Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery; Community Supports and Services, which includes oversight and policy for the systems serving persons with physical and developmental disabilities; and Management Operations. Also included is oversight of the state’s mental health and retardation hospitals and the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.

This Section of Information and Links focuses on Medical Assitance and Services for Pregnant Women.

         Medical Spenddown:
Under Medicaid rules, States are mandated to provide medical assistance for persons that are eligible for either AFDC or SSI cash benefits. In addition, there are also mandates for coverage of children and pregnant women under poverty level guidelines as well as other groups such as children in foster care and adoption support. These groups are referred to as the "categorically needy."

States also have the option to cover persons who would be eligible for one of the programs listed above except for income. This group is referred to as the "medically needy." Kansas has historically operated a medically needy program and coverage is currently provided to children up to age 18, pregnant women, and the elderly and disabled.

The medically needy concept allows for persons with income in excess of the categorically needy standards to "spenddown" that excess through application of medical expenses and thereby qualify for medical assistance.


Mental Health Hospitals:
State Mental Health Hospitals provide safe and supportive environments for people with serious mental illness needing acute care services or long term treatment.

Mental Retardation:
State Mental Retardation Hospitals provide training and support for residents toward meeting their individual goals. Staff work closely with Community Developmental Disability Organization staff to create and support opportunities for placement of clients in their respective home communities.

Newborn Protection:
Having a baby is a life changing event that can be both joyful and scary. Because of this, not everyone is ready to care for an infant and raise a child. The parent or parents of an infant less than 45 days old can leave their unharmed baby with an employee of a city or county health department, fire station, or medical facility under the Newborn Protection Act without being prosecuted.

Permanent Guardianship:
While foster care does provide safety and structure for many children, its very nature implies lack of permanency. When the courts have determined that a child cannot go home, permanent guardianship is an option that can be used.

Severe Emotional Disturbance Waiver:
The Children's hcbs/sed Waiver facilitates achieving parity in the availability of community-based mental health services for children with sed and their families.

Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery:
SRS (satr) administers state and federal funds, assures quality of care standards, promotes effective public policy, and develops and evaluates programmatic and human resources to reduce tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use in Kansas. In five service delivery regions, satr contracts with a statewide network of 70 private providers to provide treatment services including detoxification, outpatient, residential, and clinically indicated continuing care services.

Temporary Assistance for Families (TAF):
TAF is an employment support program for families with children.   Services provided or contracted for include job readiness training, job retention training, subsidized employment, structured job search, vocational education, intensive case management, work experience placements, on-the-job training, job coaching, job development/placement, mentoring, and job skills training.

Weatherization (K-WAP):
The Kansas Weatherization Assistance Program (K-WAP) operates year round and is an energy conservation program that helps qualified households pay for home weatherization needs. Stop getting zapped by those high energy bills. Take steps toward conserving energy and lowering utility bills by applying for weatherization today.

Back to the top

Family Services

Adoption Assistance:
State and federal statutes provide for adoption support payments to assist adoptive families in meeting the special needs of the children they adopt. SRS staff are responsible for identifying children who have special needs that present financial barriers to adoption.

Adoption Services:
Services to benefit children whose parental rights have been terminated or relinquished by providing the child with a permanent family.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Assessment Centers:
SRS funds five regional alcohol and drug assessment centers that provide on-site assessment and referrals to the treatment service that best meets customer needs.

Assistive Technology:
SRS receives state general funds to provide assistive technology for Kansans with disabilities. Through a cooperative agreement, the administration of this fund is out-sourced to United Cerebral Palsy of Kansas (UCPK), Wichita.

Child Care:
The Child Care program provides subsidized child care to welfare recipients to help them obtain employment, leave welfare, and stay employed; to low-income employed families and to Food Stamp recipients engaged in employment, education, and training.

Child Care and Quality Initatives:
Over $2 million annually is provided to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for licensing and monitoring. Quality child care is promoted by grants to public agencies, non-profit agencies, and private employers who establish child care for employees. Grants are also made available to individual licensed home providers through the resource and referral net-work.

Child Protective Services:
When a report of abuse or neglect is made to SRS, an Initial Assessment is completed to determine if SRS should become involved. If the report meets the criteria for SRS involvement, it is investigated by a social worker or special investigator. Law enforcement may also investigate if a social worker is not available or a joint investigation is warranted. If it is determined that a child's safety is at risk, then a recommendation is made by SRS or law enforcement to the court regarding the necessary action that should be taken.

Child Support Enforcement:
CSE is a federal, state, private, and county operation, providing a full range of child and medical support services, from establishing paternity and establishment of support orders to modifications and enforcement through state staff and contractors.

Client Assistance Program (CAP):
The CAP program serves Kansas Rehabilitation Services clients and applicants, individuals served by other programs and the general public with information and referrals. It also provides ADA information, assistance in appealing agency decisions and alternative dispute resolution.

Commodity Food Distribution:
The five federally-funded commodity programs provide food for distribution to low-income households, charitable institutions, soup kitchens, elderly food programs,  pregnant or nursing women,  and children under the age of five.

Community Mental Health Services:
Since mental health reform, the focus has been and continues to be reducing the dependence on costly and intrusive services provided by state mental health hospitals (SMHHS). The role of SMHHS is seen as a provider of acute care, thus providing a safety net for Kansans who require inpatient mental health services.

Division of Assets:
The spousal impoverishment provisions of the Medicaid program changes the Medicaid eligibility requirements for a person who needs long term care in a nursing home or Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) setting when there is a spouse who remains at home. It protects a portion of the couple's income and resources so the spouse at home is not reduced to poverty. At the same time, these provisions help the spouse needing long-term medical care to qualify for Medicaid benefits, which can help in paying for that care.

Family Preservation:
Intensive in-home services offered to families who are in imminent danger of having a child come into the custody of the department and removed from their home unless the family can make the changes necessary to provide adequate care and safety. These services assist the family in identifying and understanding the problems within the family that place a child at risk of out-of-home placement and assist them in finding ways to change how the family unit functions.

Family Services:
Essential services to children and families including child protective services, family based assessments, family support services, eligibility determination, and information and referral. These services are provided by Children and Family Services staff in the local srs offices.

Food Assistance (FS):
The Food Assistance (food stamp) Program is offered to individuals and families with income below 130 percent of the national poverty level. Forty-eight percent of Food Stamp households are persons who are elderly and/or disabled. Of the remaining households, nearly half are employed. Approximately 50 percent of Food Stamp recipients are children.

The Food Assistance Program is a nutrition assistance program which provides a Vision card (plastic debit card) to eligible persons for use in purchasing food from local grocery stores. Complete information regarding food stamp eligibility can be obtained by contacting your local Social and Rehabilitation Services Office.


Foster Care/Reintegration:
Services provided to children and families when the court has found the child to be in need of care and the parents are not able to meet the safety and care needs of the child.

Grandparents as Caregivers:
Grandparents as Caregivers Assistance (GP as CG) program will provide monthly financial assistance to grandparents or other relatives raising children.

Head Start and Early Head Start:
In 1998, the Kansas Legislature approved a state Early Head Start initiative as a joint endeavor with the federal government. Early intervention through high-quality programs enhances children’s development during their formative years, enables parents to be better caretakers and teachers to their children, and helps parents meet their own goals, including economic independence.

Immigrant Assistance:
Under certain conditions, legal non-citizens living in the State of Kansas may qualify for cash, child care, and medical assistance.

Independent Living (medical):
The division manages programs in independent living which offer an array of services for individuals requiring assistance with personal, nursing/medical, and social needs. These services allow individuals to remain in their own home as an alternative to costly institutional care.

Independent Living (youth):
Services to youth over age 16 who are in foster care or who were in foster care to help them transition to independence. These youth are to be assessed in their knowledge and skills related to daily living, money management, education, and employment.

Low Income Energy Assistance (LIEAP) :
The LIEAP provides energy assistance to households with income under 130 percent of the national poverty level during state fiscal year 2000. The elderly and disabled, and families with children are the primary groups assisted. Applications for the annual benefit are taken during January through March.

Medicaid:
Medicaid is a federal/state matching-funds program that provides preventive, primary, and acute health services for low-income individuals, children and families.

Medical Assistance:
The Division of Health Care Policy sets policy for programs that deliver an array of health care services to eligible Kansans. Included within the Health Care Policy Division is Medicaid and Medical Policy; Mental Health, Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery; Community Supports and Services, which includes oversight and policy for the systems serving persons with physical and developmental disabilities; and Management Operations. Also included is oversight of the state�s mental health and retardation hospitals and the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.

         Medical Assistance - Children:
The Division of Health Care Policy sets policy for programs that deliver an array of health care services to eligible Kansans. Included within the Health Care Policy Division is Medicaid and Medical Policy; Mental Health, Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery; Community Supports and Services, which includes oversight and policy for the systems serving persons with physical and developmental disabilities; and Management Operations. Also included is oversight of the state’s mental health and retardation hospitals and the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.

This Section of Information and Links focuses on Medical Assitance and Services for Children.

         Medical Assistance - Pregnant Women:
The Division of Health Care Policy sets policy for programs that deliver an array of health care services to eligible Kansans. Included within the Health Care Policy Division is Medicaid and Medical Policy; Mental Health, Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery; Community Supports and Services, which includes oversight and policy for the systems serving persons with physical and developmental disabilities; and Management Operations. Also included is oversight of the state’s mental health and retardation hospitals and the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.

This Section of Information and Links focuses on Medical Assitance and Services for Pregnant Women.

         Medical Spenddown:
Under Medicaid rules, States are mandated to provide medical assistance for persons that are eligible for either AFDC or SSI cash benefits. In addition, there are also mandates for coverage of children and pregnant women under poverty level guidelines as well as other groups such as children in foster care and adoption support. These groups are referred to as the "categorically needy."

States also have the option to cover persons who would be eligible for one of the programs listed above except for income. This group is referred to as the "medically needy." Kansas has historically operated a medically needy program and coverage is currently provided to children up to age 18, pregnant women, and the elderly and disabled.

The medically needy concept allows for persons with income in excess of the categorically needy standards to "spenddown" that excess through application of medical expenses and thereby qualify for medical assistance.


Mental Health Hospitals:
State Mental Health Hospitals provide safe and supportive environments for people with serious mental illness needing acute care services or long term treatment.

Mental Retardation:
State Mental Retardation Hospitals provide training and support for residents toward meeting their individual goals. Staff work closely with Community Developmental Disability Organization staff to create and support opportunities for placement of clients in their respective home communities.

Newborn Protection:
Having a baby is a life changing event that can be both joyful and scary. Because of this, not everyone is ready to care for an infant and raise a child. The parent or parents of an infant less than 45 days old can leave their unharmed baby with an employee of a city or county health department, fire station, or medical facility under the Newborn Protection Act without being prosecuted.

Permanent Guardianship:
While foster care does provide safety and structure for many children, its very nature implies lack of permanency. When the courts have determined that a child cannot go home, permanent guardianship is an option that can be used.

Refugee Assistance:
The Refugee program provides essential services to households to aid in their resettlement in the United States. Kansas first received federal reimbursement for refugee services in 1975 under the Immigration and Naturalization Act. The Refugee Assistance Act of 1980 authorized federal funding for social services. The program provides both cash assistance and social services to eligible refugees.

Safe at Home Program:
  The Safe at Home (SaH) Program (SB 2928) was enacted by the Kansas Legislature in 2006 to provide a confidential address program to benefit victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and/or human trafficking who have moved to a new location that is unknown to their abuser. SaH Program is administered through the Secretary of State’s (SOS) office.

Severe Emotional Disturbance Waiver:
The Children's hcbs/sed Waiver facilitates achieving parity in the availability of community-based mental health services for children with sed and their families.

Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery:
SRS (satr) administers state and federal funds, assures quality of care standards, promotes effective public policy, and develops and evaluates programmatic and human resources to reduce tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use in Kansas. In five service delivery regions, satr contracts with a statewide network of 70 private providers to provide treatment services including detoxification, outpatient, residential, and clinically indicated continuing care services.

Successful Families:
The Successful Families Program has services for low income families that include cash assistance, also known as Temporary Assistance for Families (TAF), helps adults with their problems in getting a job, and provides support services for work, training, work activities, and education.

Temporary Assistance for Families (TAF):
TAF is an employment support program for families with children.   Services provided or contracted for include job readiness training, job retention training, subsidized employment, structured job search, vocational education, intensive case management, work experience placements, on-the-job training, job coaching, job development/placement, mentoring, and job skills training.

Weatherization (K-WAP):
The Kansas Weatherization Assistance Program (K-WAP) operates year round and is an energy conservation program that helps qualified households pay for home weatherization needs. Stop getting zapped by those high energy bills. Take steps toward conserving energy and lowering utility bills by applying for weatherization today.

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Financial Services

Adoption Assistance:
State and federal statutes provide for adoption support payments to assist adoptive families in meeting the special needs of the children they adopt. SRS staff are responsible for identifying children who have special needs that present financial barriers to adoption.

Child Care:
The Child Care program provides subsidized child care to welfare recipients to help them obtain employment, leave welfare, and stay employed; to low-income employed families and to Food Stamp recipients engaged in employment, education, and training.

Child Support Enforcement:
CSE is a federal, state, private, and county operation, providing a full range of child and medical support services, from establishing paternity and establishment of support orders to modifications and enforcement through state staff and contractors.

Commodity Food Distribution:
The five federally-funded commodity programs provide food for distribution to low-income households, charitable institutions, soup kitchens, elderly food programs, pregnant or nursing women, and children under the age of five.

Food Assistance (FS):
The Food Assistance (food stamp) Program is offered to individuals and families with income below 130 percent of the national poverty level. Forty-eight percent of Food Stamp households are persons who are elderly and/or disabled. Of the remaining households, nearly half are employed. Approximately 50 percent of Food Stamp recipients are children.

The Food Assistance Program is a nutrition assistance program which provides a Vision card (plastic debit card) to eligible persons for use in purchasing food from local grocery stores. Complete information regarding food stamp eligibility can be obtained by contacting your local Social and Rehabilitation Services Office.


Funeral Assistance:
The Funeral Assistance program provides funds for low-cost funerals for some public assistance recipients.

General Assistance (GA):
A state-funded cash assistance program for adults who cannot support themselves because of a serious physical or mental disability. General Assistance recipients must pursue Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility.

Grandparents as Caregivers:
Grandparents as Caregivers Assistance (GP as CG) program will provide monthly financial assistance to grandparents or other relatives raising children.

Immigrant Assistance:
Under certain conditions, legal non-citizens living in the State of Kansas may qualify for cash, child care, and medical assistance.

Low Income Energy Assistance (LIEAP) :
The LIEAP provides energy assistance to households with income under 130 percent of the national poverty level during state fiscal year 2000. The elderly and disabled, and families with children are the primary groups assisted. Applications for the annual benefit are taken during January through March.

Medicaid:
Medicaid is a federal/state matching-funds program that provides preventive, primary, and acute health services for low-income individuals, children and families.

Medical Assistance:
The Division of Health Care Policy sets policy for programs that deliver an array of health care services to eligible Kansans. Included within the Health Care Policy Division is Medicaid and Medical Policy; Mental Health, Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery; Community Supports and Services, which includes oversight and policy for the systems serving persons with physical and developmental disabilities; and Management Operations. Also included is oversight of the state�s mental health and retardation hospitals and the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.

         Medical Assistance - Children:
The Division of Health Care Policy sets policy for programs that deliver an array of health care services to eligible Kansans. Included within the Health Care Policy Division is Medicaid and Medical Policy; Mental Health, Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery; Community Supports and Services, which includes oversight and policy for the systems serving persons with physical and developmental disabilities; and Management Operations. Also included is oversight of the state’s mental health and retardation hospitals and the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.

This Section of Information and Links focuses on Medical Assitance and Services for Children.

         Medical Assistance - Pregnant Women:
The Division of Health Care Policy sets policy for programs that deliver an array of health care services to eligible Kansans. Included within the Health Care Policy Division is Medicaid and Medical Policy; Mental Health, Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery; Community Supports and Services, which includes oversight and policy for the systems serving persons with physical and developmental disabilities; and Management Operations. Also included is oversight of the state’s mental health and retardation hospitals and the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.

This Section of Information and Links focuses on Medical Assitance and Services for Pregnant Women.

         Medical Spenddown:
Under Medicaid rules, States are mandated to provide medical assistance for persons that are eligible for either AFDC or SSI cash benefits. In addition, there are also mandates for coverage of children and pregnant women under poverty level guidelines as well as other groups such as children in foster care and adoption support. These groups are referred to as the "categorically needy."

States also have the option to cover persons who would be eligible for one of the programs listed above except for income. This group is referred to as the "medically needy." Kansas has historically operated a medically needy program and coverage is currently provided to children up to age 18, pregnant women, and the elderly and disabled.

The medically needy concept allows for persons with income in excess of the categorically needy standards to "spenddown" that excess through application of medical expenses and thereby qualify for medical assistance.

Refugee Assistance:
The Refugee program provides essential services to households to aid in their resettlement in the United States. Kansas first received federal reimbursement for refugee services in 1975 under the Immigration and Naturalization Act. The Refugee Assistance Act of 1980 authorized federal funding for social services. The program provides both cash assistance and social services to eligible refugees.

Severe Emotional Disturbance Waiver:
The Children's hcbs/sed Waiver facilitates achieving parity in the availability of community-based mental health services for children with sed and their families.

Successful Families:
The Successful Families Program has services for low income families that include cash assistance, also known as Temporary Assistance for Families (TAF), helps adults with their problems in getting a job, and provides support services for work, training, work activities, and education.

Temporary Assistance for Families (TAF):
TAF is an employment support program for families with children. Services provided or contracted for include job readiness training, job retention training, subsidized employment, structured job search, vocational education, intensive case management, work experience placements, on-the-job training, job coaching, job development/placement, mentoring, and job skills training.

Weatherization (K-WAP):
The Kansas Weatherization Assistance Program (K-WAP) operates year round and is an energy conservation program that helps qualified households pay for home weatherization needs. Stop getting zapped by those high energy bills. Take steps toward conserving energy and lowering utility bills by applying for weatherization today.

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Health/Medical Services

ADA Coordinator :
The State ADA Coordinator oversees the State of Kansas compliance with, and implementation of, the Americans' with Disabilities Act and applicable State law. The ADA requires that the States' programs, services, and activities be accessible to, and usable by, people with disabilities when viewed in its entirety. If the public has general questions about the ADA and its rules and regulations or if the public believes the law is not complied with by the State of Kansas they may file a complaint.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Assessment Centers:
SRS funds five regional alcohol and drug assessment centers that provide on-site assessment and referrals to the treatment service that best meets customer needs.

Assistive Technology:
SRS receives state general funds to provide assistive technology for Kansans with disabilities. Through a cooperative agreement, the administration of this fund is out-sourced to United Cerebral Palsy of Kansas (UCPK), Wichita.

Blind, Services for the:
Services for persons who are blind, visually impaired or deaf-blind including Vocational Rehabilitation; The Rehabilitation Center for the Blind (RCB); Kansas Seniors Achieving Independent Living (KAN-SAIL); The Business Enterprise Program (BEP); Kansas Industries for the Blind (KIB).

Client Assistance Program (CAP):
The CAP program serves Kansas Rehabilitation Services clients and applicants, individuals served by other programs and the general public with information and referrals. It also provides ADA information, assistance in appealing agency decisions and alternative dispute resolution.

Community Mental Health Services:
Since mental health reform, the focus has been and continues to be reducing the dependence on costly and intrusive services provided by state mental health hospitals (SMHHS). The role of SMHHS is seen as a provider of acute care, thus providing a safety net for Kansans who require inpatient mental health services.

Community Residential Services (for Adults):
SRS Medical Policy Division oversees the Medicaid reimbursement for the 14 nursing facilities for mental health (nfmh) in the state which are licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Community Supports and Services:
This program sets policy for the delivery of community services to persons with disabilities and the use of state and federal funds. Services are delivered through Community Developmental Disability Organizations, Centers for Independent Living, and other community partners.

Consumer-run Organizations:
SRS provides funding for local mental health consumer-run organizations. These groups provide a range of consumer-run, self-help services throughout the state and are independent of local community mental health centers. Services include drop-in centers, temporary shelter, and transportation.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Kansas Commission for:
KCDHH offers advocacy, information and referral, sign language interpreter registration, coordination of interpreting services, and the Kansas Quality Assurance Screening for certification of sign language interpreters.

Developmental Disabilities - State Institutions:
Parsons State Hospital and Training Center and the Kansas Neurological Institute provide training and support for residents toward meeting their individual goals. Staff work closely with Community Developmental Disability Organization staff to create and support opportunities for placement of clients in their respective home communities.

Disability Determination Services:
(DDS) makes initial and first-level appellate disability and blindness determinations for the Social Security Administration on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims filed in Kansas. DDS also conducts reviews of the cases of individuals already receiving benefits to determine if they continue to quality for benefits; conducts hearings in cases where SSDI or SSI eligibility is found to have ceased; and makes Medicaid eligibility determinations for individuals who do not meet the financial requirements for SSI.

Division of Assets:
The spousal impoverishment provisions of the Medicaid program changes the Medicaid eligibility requirements for a person who needs long term care in a nursing home or Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) setting when there is a spouse who remains at home. It protects a portion of the couple's income and resources so the spouse at home is not reduced to poverty. At the same time, these provisions help the spouse needing long-term medical care to qualify for Medicaid benefits, which can help in paying for that care.

Elderly and Persons with Disabilites:
Many medical programs are available to assist the elderly and persons with disabilities. These programs are for people 65 or older or for those who meet Social Security's disability rules. There are several general rules that must be met to quality for these programs, including state residency and citizenship. Each program may also have its own requirements. These programs can be a great financial help to those who are eligible.

General Assistance (GA):
A state-funded cash assistance program for adults who cannot support themselves because of a serious physical or mental disability. General Assistance recipients must pursue Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility.

Health Wave:
Health Wave began January 1, 1999 under Title xxi of the Social Security Act, providing health insurance for uninsured children through a combination of state and federal funds.

Home and Community Bases Services (HCBS):
Home and Community Based services for persons with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities are made possible through Medicaid waivers. These services are intended as an alternative to institutional services. Each waiver offers services for a specifc group: Head Injury, Technology Assistance, Physical Disability, Frail and Elderly, Developmental Disabilities, and Children with Severe Emotional Disturbance. Under each waiver category you will find information about the eligibility group, level of care requirements, case management, financial eligibility rules, services, quality assurance, and other waiver facts.

Independent Living (medical):
The division manages programs in independent living which offer an array of services for individuals requiring assistance with personal, nursing/medical, and social needs. These services allow individuals to remain in their own home as an alternative to costly institutional care.

Intermediate Care Facilities/MR (Private):
These are privately operated intermediate care facilities for persons with mental retardation or related conditions. The facilities are funded by Medicaid, must serve at least four persons per facility, and provide continuous active treatment in compliance with federal regulations.

Medicaid:
Medicaid is a federal/state matching-funds program that provides preventive, primary, and acute health services for low-income individuals, children and families.

Medical Assistance:
The Division of Health Care Policy sets policy for programs that deliver an array of health care services to eligible Kansans. Included within the Health Care Policy Division is Medicaid and Medical Policy; Mental Health, Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery; Community Supports and Services, which includes oversight and policy for the systems serving persons with physical and developmental disabilities; and Management Operations. Also included is oversight of the state�s mental health and retardation hospitals and the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.

         Medical Assistance - Children:
The Division of Health Care Policy sets policy for programs that deliver an array of health care services to eligible Kansans. Included within the Health Care Policy Division is Medicaid and Medical Policy; Mental Health, Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery; Community Supports and Services, which includes oversight and policy for the systems serving persons with physical and developmental disabilities; and Management Operations. Also included is oversight of the state’s mental health and retardation hospitals and the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.

This Section of Information and Links focuses on Medical Assitance and Services for Children.

         Medical Assistance - Pregnant Women:
The Division of Health Care Policy sets policy for programs that deliver an array of health care services to eligible Kansans. Included within the Health Care Policy Division is Medicaid and Medical Policy; Mental Health, Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery; Community Supports and Services, which includes oversight and policy for the systems serving persons with physical and developmental disabilities; and Management Operations. Also included is oversight of the state’s mental health and retardation hospitals and the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.

This Section of Information and Links focuses on Medical Assitance and Services for Pregnant Women.

         Medical Spenddown:
Under Medicaid rules, States are mandated to provide medical assistance for persons that are eligible for either AFDC or SSI cash benefits. In addition, there are also mandates for coverage of children and pregnant women under poverty level guidelines as well as other groups such as children in foster care and adoption support. These groups are referred to as the "categorically needy."

States also have the option to cover persons who would be eligible for one of the programs listed above except for income. This group is referred to as the "medically needy." Kansas has historically operated a medically needy program and coverage is currently provided to children up to age 18, pregnant women, and the elderly and disabled.

The medically needy concept allows for persons with income in excess of the categorically needy standards to "spenddown" that excess through application of medical expenses and thereby qualify for medical assistance.


Mental Health Hospitals:
State Mental Health Hospitals provide safe and supportive environments for people with serious mental illness needing acute care services or long term treatment.

Mental Retardation:
State Mental Retardation Hospitals provide training and support for residents toward meeting their individual goals. Staff work closely with Community Developmental Disability Organization staff to create and support opportunities for placement of clients in their respective home communities.

Refugee Assistance:
The Refugee program provides essential services to households to aid in their resettlement in the United States. Kansas first received federal reimbursement for refugee services in 1975 under the Immigration and Naturalization Act. The Refugee Assistance Act of 1980 authorized federal funding for social services. The program provides both cash assistance and social services to eligible refugees.

Severe Emotional Disturbance Waiver:
The Children's hcbs/sed Waiver facilitates achieving parity in the availability of community-based mental health services for children with sed and their families.

Sexual Predator Treatment Program:
Ensures the safe, secure and humane care of residents committed by the courts to the program. The program strives to: provide a safe and secure commitment confinement for the residents, public and staff; provide treatment opportunities and behavioral education activities for residents; maintain positive facility/unit living and working environments; manage human, equipment and fiscal resources responsibly; and, maintain cooperative working relationships with the external environment.

Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery:
SRS (satr) administers state and federal funds, assures quality of care standards, promotes effective public policy, and develops and evaluates programmatic and human resources to reduce tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use in Kansas.In five service delivery regions, satr contracts with a statewide network of 70 private providers to provide treatment services including detoxification, outpatient, residential, and clinically indicated continuing care services.

Temporary Assistance for Families (TAF):
TAF is an employment support program for families with children. Services provided or contracted for include job readiness training, job retention training, subsidized employment, structured job search, vocational education, intensive case management, work experience placements, on-the-job training, job coaching, job development/placement, mentoring, and job skills training.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR):
Vocational Rehabilitation services are the cornerstone of our efforts to help people with disabilities become gainfully employed and self-reliant. VR plans emphasize individualized community-based services, integration and consumer choice.   Services may in-clude vocational assessment; counseling and guidance; physical and mental restoration; training; rehabilitation technology; job placement, supported employment, and transition planning services for students with severe disabilities.

Working Healthy:
Many people with disabilities want to work but worry that doing so could jeopardize their vital health and long term care coverage. The Working Healthy Program offers people with disabilities who are working or interested in working the opportunity to get or keep Medicaid coverage.

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Page Last Updated: December 3, 2008