When You Know What to Look For, You Can Change the Outcome.
Look Again is a statewide awareness initiative led by the Kansas Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (KADEC). The campaign supports early identification, trauma-informed response, and coordinated action for children affected by substance misuse.
Across the United States, more than nine million children live in homes with a caregiver experiencing substance use disorder. Nearly 140,000 Kansas children live in households where substance misuse may impact safety and stability.
Professionals across sectors play a critical role in recognizing risk early, responding with care, and connecting families to support.
What Is a Drug Endangered Child?
A drug endangered child (DEC) is a child who lives in an environment where substance use, misuse, manufacturing, or distribution places their safety, health, or development at risk.
Early recognition and coordinated response can reduce trauma and improve long-term outcomes.
Core Resources for Professionals & Agencies
Recognizing & Reporting (Kansas-Specific)
Kansas Protection Report Center (DCF)
Information on how to report suspected abuse or neglect in Kansas, including online reporting access.
Kansas Mandated Reporter Portal
Overview of reporting responsibilities and procedures under Kansas law.
Kansas & National Data Resources
Kansas Department for Children and Families | Prevention & Protection Services Reports
Annual and statistical reports on child welfare, maltreatment, and prevention indicators.
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services | Behavioral Health Reports
Statewide reports on substance use disorder systems and behavioral health services.
National Prevalence & Substance Use Data
National Survey on Drug Use and Health | SAMHSA
Annual federal survey providing national and state-level substance use and mental health indicators.
U.S. Estimates of Children Living with Parents Who Have a Substance Use Disorder
Research overview of the national and state-level prevalence of children impacted by caregiver substance use.
Trauma-Informed & Cross-System Guidance
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Trauma-informed resources applicable across education, healthcare, law enforcement, and child welfare settings.
National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children
Research, training, and cross-system coordination guidance for state and local DEC alliances.
Statewide Strategic Alignment
All In For Kansas Kids | Kansas Children’s Cabinet & Trust Fund
Statewide strategic plan focused on improving early childhood outcomes through prevention and coordinated services.
United to Transform – Kansas Statewide SUD Needs Assessment | Kansas Fights Addiction Act
Comprehensive statewide assessment identifying substance use system gaps and strategic priorities.
Supporting Organizations
KADEC collaborates with organizations across Kansas committed to strengthening families and protecting children.
Kansas Children’s Service League
Family support services, including child abuse prevention, school readiness, and parent support.
DCCCA
Behavioral health treatment and community-based services across Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.
Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund
Research and early childhood initiatives. Manages the Blueprint for Early Childhood report, the All in for Kansas Kids campaign, and more.
Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)
Substance use disorder and prevention resources.
Kansas Prevention Collaborative
Prevention and strategic planning resources for communities.
Substance Use Trends Information Resources
Database of news and scholarly articles on substance use disorders.
Get the CheckDEC Web App
CheckDEC is a free app from the National Alliance for Drug-Endangered Children that puts local, zip-code–specific substance-use resources, crisis helplines, treatment referrals, videos and real-life stories right in your hand — giving children, families, concerned community members and professionals instant, shareable support when they need it most.
- Direct crisis helpline links and immediate pathways to help.
Resources and downloadable handouts for families and tools for professionals.
Videos, an up-to-date news feed, and peer stories to inform and inspire.
Submit your own story or message of hope; share resources with others.
Free and available now on iOS, Android. Download using the QR code or button, and for more information visit www.checkdec.org.
You don’t have to solve this alone. Kansas has a coordinated system designed to support children and families. Your role is to notice and respond.
The Kansas Alliance for Drug Endangered Children is a statewide multidisciplinary network formed in 2003 to improve outcomes for children impacted by substance misuse through training, collaboration, and coordinated response.