TOPEKA – On Thursday, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced nearly $6.5 million in state grants have been awarded to continue improving services for adult and child crime survivors, including two area agencies. 

The funding comes from State General Funds and will go toward nonprofits offering counseling, shelters, the statewide language-accessible crisis line, safety planning, advocacy for sexual and domestic violence survivors, and training for community-based direct service providers.

Among these was the Great Bend-based Family Crisis Center Inc. which received $246,190 in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Grant awards and $62,528 in Children’s Advocacy Centers Grant Awards.

Last year, the Governor successfully pushed to fund Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs through the State General Fund to ensure stable funding for the program.

“We have a responsibility to do all we can to protect victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault,” Governor Kelly said. “These grants will strengthen our services and provide support to those who need it most.”

Children’s Advocacy Centers coordinate investigation and intervention services for abused children by bringing together professionals and agencies across disciplines. Funding ensures staff is trained in conducting sensitive forensic interviews of child abuse victims and providing advocacy services for victims and non-offending caregivers. The funds are also used to coordinate multi-disciplinary case review teams to improve services.

CASA Programs recruit, train, and support citizen volunteers to advocate in court for the best interests of abused and neglected children. Grant funds are used to train staff and volunteers to help abused and neglected children obtain a permanent and safe placement. The volunteers advocate for the best interest of a child by providing information in court to assist judges with making the most well-informed decision for each child.

Great Bend-based Central Kansas CASA received $7,417 in Casa Grant Awards.