The Kansas Dept. for Children and Families is reopening some of its service centers around the state starting June 8, based on county COVID-19 data, but some offices will remain closed.

Opening offices include Atchison, Chanute, Colby, Columbus, Concordia, El Dorado (6/10), Fort Scott, Goodland, Hays, Hiawatha, Independence, Junction City, Lawrence, McPherson, Manhattan, Marysville, Osawatomie, Ottawa, Parsons, Phillipsburg, Pittsburg, Pratt, Salina, Topeka, and Winfield (6/10).

Openings for Wichita and Kansas City have not been announced.

“Our reopening plan is based on data and will be done in a safe and measured fashion,” said Laura Howard, Department for Children and Families Secretary.

Clients can expect to see several safety measures inside the service centers, including:

·       Limiting lobby capacity to ensure social distancing

·       Asking COVID-19 screening questions upon entry

·       Encouraging clients to wear masks

·       Asking clients to limit the number of people they bring to the service center

·       Making phone interviews available

·       Plexiglass partitions

·       Designating “phone stations” for clients

DCF also offers other ways for clients to connect with the agency if they are concerned about entering public spaces.

Clients with general questions about assistance programs can use the agency’s statewide customer service line at 1-888-369-4777.

Kansans who have case specific questions or need to provide information or documents can email those to their local service center at DCF.(city)EES@ks.gov (Example: DCF.TopekaEES.ks.gov).

Clients who have questions about their Kansas Benefits Card can call 1-800-997-6666.

If you need to report suspect abuse or neglect call the Kansas Protection Report Center at 1-800-922-5330.

 “We know the pandemic has caused additional stress to the well-being of Kansas families,” Howard said. “Our goal is to be available no matter how someone contacts the agency because we know access to our programs can provide a measure of security during these difficult times.”

DCF will make additional announcements as more offices reopen.