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Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center asks Goodland to fund mobile unit upkeep; commission agrees to prior $1,500 practice
Summary
Don of the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center described mobile forensic, therapy and court‑prep services for local children and requested $1,000 for fuel/upkeep; commissioners indicated they would include $1,500 in the next budget similar to prior practice.
Don, representing the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center, briefed the commission on the center’s mobile services and asked for local budget support for fuel and upkeep of mobile units.
Don said the organization is the only mobile child advocacy center in Kansas and described its work coordinating forensic interviews, medical exams and therapy with DCF and law enforcement to avoid retraumatizing children. He explained that the mobile units reduce travel burdens for families in Goodland by bringing interviews and, when needed, a medical unit closer to rural communities; he said the center’s nearest office is in Colby.
During the presentation Don recited service statistics for the area over the prior year, listing calls, forensic interviews, medical exams and therapy sessions, and requested $1,000 for fuel and upkeep in the 2026 budget. Commissioners referenced past practice of allocating $1,500 and indicated support for maintaining that amount in the upcoming budget. The commission did not reduce the request and signaled it would include the funding in next year’s appropriation.
Don emphasized the center’s role in minimizing repeated interviews and providing court preparation and bilingual advocacy when needed. The commission expressed appreciation for the service and acknowledged logistical challenges rural families face when traveling to larger centers.
