News Center
Updates. Awareness. Coordinated Action.
Statewide Updates & Coordinated Efforts
The KADEC News Center shares updates, training opportunities, and collaborative efforts happening across Kansas to support children impacted by substance use.
Here you will find:
- County alliance activity
- Prevention and awareness initiatives
- Training opportunities for professionals
- Statewide coordination efforts
These updates reflect the shared work happening across communities to strengthen early identification, reduce stigma, and connect children and families to support.
Staying informed helps communities respond earlier and more effectively.
Early identification in healthcare settings can interrupt long-term harm.
Recent Posts
Local DECK Grantee Brings Dads to the Table
When parents find ways to get more involved in their kids’ lives, we see great things happen.
Trauma-informed Care Summit Brings Hope to SE Kansas
Thrive Allen County educated their community about adverse childhood experience.
Media Resources
About KADEC
The Kansas Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (KADEC) is a statewide, multidisciplinary network working to improve outcomes for children impacted by substance misuse.
KADEC brings together healthcare, education, child welfare, law enforcement, tribal partners, and community organizations to strengthen early identification, trauma-informed response, and coordinated care across Kansas.
About the Look Again. Be the Difference. Campaign
Look Again is a statewide awareness campaign designed to help Kansans recognize the hidden impact of substance misuse on children and understand what to do next.
The campaign centers child safety, reduces stigma, and encourages coordinated, trauma-informed response.
When communities recognize signs early, children are more likely to experience safety, stability, and support.
Media Downloads
Approved materials for media use and partner distribution:
- Look Again Campaign Logos
- Campaign Overview One-Sheet
- Drug Endangered Children Fact Sheets
- Campaign Messaging Guide
- Press Releases
Media Inquiries
KADEC is available to provide insight on:
- Drug Endangered Children (DEC) in Kansas
- Trauma-informed response
- Cross-system collaboration
- Prevention and early identification
For interviews, speaking requests, or media inquiries:
Email: media@kadec.org
Phone: 316-262-6644
Contact: Zack Gingrich-Gaylord
KADEC does not comment on individual child welfare cases.
General Kansas News
Substance Use & Child Welfare | External Media Coverage in Kansas
These articles provide a broader context around substance use, prevention efforts, and child safety across the state.
Johnson County sees drop in Narcan calls with prevention, youth education efforts (January 13, 2025)
As opioid crisis evolves in Kansas, lawsuit settlement funds provide recovery options (January 27, 2025)
The silent epidemic: opioid addiction among adolescents in Kansas (February 4, 2025)
City, county have $15.5M to spend fighting opioid use. Here’s an early look at the plan (February 15, 2025)
Overdose training around KC saves lives. Trump is eyeing big funding cuts (May 20, 2025)
New report clears a path for Kansas’ response to substance use (August 14, 2025)
Kansas lacks high-quality opioid addiction treatment programs, KU study finds (September 3, 2025)
‘The next opioid crisis’: Kansas City woman shares experience with 7-OH (October 23, 2025)
In both Missouri and Kansas, these recent movements are targeting 7-OH (November 4, 2025)
National DEC Updates
News from DEC members across the country
National data reinforces what we see locally: children impacted by substance misuse often remain unseen without coordinated action.
Carson, NV, hosts training on drug-endangered children
“According to statistics provided by Carrie Jensen and James Henning of the National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children, one in four children (almost 19 million) in the U.S. live with at least one parent or caregiver who meets the technical criteria for having a substance use disorder, most involving alcohol abuse.”
1 in 4 children nationwide have a parent with substance use disorder (NPR)
“Nearly 19 million children in the United States have at least one parent with a substance use disorder, according to a new study published Monday in JAMA Pediatrics. And a significant number of those children have a parent whose addiction is moderate or severe as opposed to mild, the study finds.
The number amounts to 1 in 4 children with a parent who has addiction.”
Connect with Local Support
Looking for local support, events, or resources? Connect with a county DEC alliance in your area.
Questions About the Campaign
What is the purpose of the Look Again campaign?
Look Again helps Kansans recognize the signs of risk related to substance use and understand how to respond in ways that support children and families.
Who is this campaign for?
The campaign is designed for community members, professionals, caregivers, and partners across Kansas. Anyone who interacts with children can play a role in noticing risk and responding appropriately.
Is this campaign focused on reporting?
No. Reporting is one part of response, but the campaign focuses on early awareness, prevention, and coordinated support.
What should I do if I’m concerned about a child?
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
If you suspect abuse or neglect, contact the Kansas Protection Report Center at 1-800-922-5330.
If you are unsure, exploring the Recognize & Respond section of this site can help guide your next steps.
Can media request interviews or additional information?
Yes. KADEC can provide interviews, background information, and connections to local and statewide partners.
Can organizations share or use campaign materials?
Yes. Approved materials are available in the Media Resources section and may be shared to support awareness and prevention efforts.
How can I stay informed about updates and training opportunities?
You can sign up below to receive updates on training, initiatives, and coordinated response efforts across Kansas.
Stay Connected
KADEC supports coordinated Drug Endangered Children alliances in 37 Kansas counties, connecting education, healthcare, child welfare, behavioral health, and law enforcement to strengthen child safety and family stability.
When communities align around prevention and coordination, children are safer.