Safe Families for Children Seeks $10,000 County Funding, Cites Rapid Growth

Brittany Willer of Safe Families for Children appealed to the Saline County Commission for $10,000 in 2027 budget funding, addressing concerns raised by the county's funding committee about the organization's short operating history.

Willer said the organization, which recently completed its inaugural year serving north central Kansas, surrounds families in crisis with support to prevent unnecessary foster placements. She said vetted volunteers temporarily host children in their homes while parents regain stability. She noted that 70% of children who enter foster care do so because of neglect rather than abuse, and that many cases are temporary crises compounded by a lack of family support.

Addressing the committee's concern about the program's newness, Willer said the organization saw "exponential" growth in its third and fourth quarters. She said 100% of referrals occurred during the final six months of the year, the volunteer network grew by 61% during the last quarter, and 26 individuals were served in June. She projected serving 300 individuals in the upcoming fiscal year.

Willer outlined how the $10,000 would be used: $5,000 for full-time coaching services that coordinate family care and vet volunteers; $2,500 for essential resources such as loan child care equipment and hygiene kits; funds to cover DCF fingerprinting and FBI and KBI background checks for volunteers; and $1,000 for printed materials for referral partners.

She said the program is parent-led, requires parents to make the initial contact, and does not involve law enforcement or the court system. Children with a history of physical or sexual abuse are not placed in volunteer homes. Willer said primary funding initially came from a state welfare oversight committee, and that the organization is pursuing funding from other counties, including grant proposals for Riley County. The item was informational; no vote was taken.