Franklin County has been selected as one of only seven pilot counties in Kansas for the new Stepping Up For Youth Initiative, launching this month. The effort aims to improve outcomes for at-risk youth, especially those facing substance use challenges, by identifying early opportunities for intervention at every point of contact with the justice system.
Local partners – including schools, law enforcement, mental health providers, child welfare services, and courts – will work together to map how youth engage with services before, during, and after law enforcement involvement. The goal is to identify service gaps, improve coordination, and ensure families know what help is available and how to access it.
This pilot aligns with the statewide Crossover Youth Practice model and puts Franklin County at the forefront of efforts to reduce system involvement and support long-term success for youth and families.
It will bring together the Fourth Judicial District Community Corrections, the Elizabeth Layton Center, USD 290, TFI Family Services, the Kansas DCF the Franklin County Attorney’s Office, Franklin County Health Department, CASA of the 4th District, and local law enforcement.
