Get Involved
Participation. Partnership. Prevention.
Strengthen Coordinated Action Across Kansas
Children are safer when communities act together.
KADEC supports coordinated response efforts across Kansas to protect children affected by substance misuse. Whether you are joining an existing alliance, strengthening local partnerships, volunteering your time, or supporting prevention efforts, your involvement contributes to a broader system of care.
Action does not require perfection. It requires participation.
Take the First Step
Safer communities are built by people who choose to engage.
There is no single way to get involved. When individuals and organizations align around shared goals, children experience stronger systems of care and greater long-term stability.
Whether you are a professional caregiver, first responder, educator, faith leader, business owner, or concerned community member, your role matters.
Small actions, taken together, create lasting, measurable change.
Partner With KADEC
KADEC supports affiliates and grantees across Kansas. Thirty-seven counties currently have an active Drug Endangered Children (DEC) alliance coordinating local response.
These partnerships strengthen:
- Strengthen coordination between agencies
- Increase awareness
- Expand prevention efforts
- Connect families to support services
When communities collaborate early, children experience fewer service gaps and more consistent support.
County DEC Alliances
County-level DEC alliances create structured, coordinated response systems that improve communication and strengthen safety planning.
Alliances bring together:
- First responders
- Educators
- Healthcare providers
- Social services
- Government agencies
- Community leaders
These collaborations reduce duplication and improve continuity of care.
If your county does not yet have an alliance, KADEC can help you build one.
Partner Organizations
Organizations of every size contribute to safer environments for children.
Partner organizations include:
- Nonprofits
- Civic groups
- Businesses
- PTOs
- Faith communities
Participation may involve hosting trainings, sharing resources, supporting prevention campaigns, or strengthening referral networks.
Community strength grows when leadership is shared.
Volunteer
Volunteers expand awareness and strengthen local initiatives.
Opportunities may include:
Supporting community events
Assisting with outreach efforts
Distributing prevention materials
Connecting families to local resources
Every hour invested contributes to stronger systems of care.
Questions About Getting Involved
Do I need professional experience to participate?
No. Community members from all backgrounds can support safer environments for children. Professional expertise is welcome, but not required.
What if my county does not have a DEC alliance?
KADEC can help you explore how to build coordinated response in your area.
How much time does volunteering require?
Opportunities vary. Some roles involve attending meetings or events, while others involve sharing information or supporting outreach efforts.
Is this campaign only about reporting?
No. Reporting is one part of prevention. Building awareness, strengthening collaboration, and supporting families early are equally important.
Can businesses or faith communities participate?
Yes. Organizations of every size can support prevention and coordinated response efforts.
Support Coordinated Response
When communities are equipped with tools, training, and shared strategy, children benefit.
Donations support:
- Expansion of local alliances
- Professional training
- Prevention education
- Cross-system coordination efforts
Sustainable systems require sustainable support.
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.