Annually, KCSL presents the most comprehensive conference in Kansas about the prevention of child maltreatment. The Governor’s Conference focuses on education, networking, recognition and addressing key issues regarding child abuse and neglect. KCSL is committed to featuring the best speakers the field has to offer and addressing current topics and issues throughout the conference. Check back for 2025 details soon!
KCSL hosted the 48th Annual Governor’s Conference for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect on Nov. 6-8, 2024 at the Hyatt Regency Wichita. The conference focused on the theme, Stay Connected, and offered over 500 Kansas professionals new insights on promoting positive childhood experiences. Keynote speakers included former NFL player and former foster child Gaelin Elmore and 2020 National Teacher of the Year Tabatha Rosproy. Workshop sessions covered topics such as race and equity, domestic violence, child welfare and foster care, early childhood, resilience, and self-care.
Over 40 years ago, child abuse prevention leaders in Kansas established Prevent Child Abuse Kansas (PCAK) as it is known today and held the first state conference on child abuse prevention. In the early 1970s, the Family Life Achievement Center in Chicago decided to focus on the prevention of child abuse and formed a fifty-state, nonprofit organization known as Prevent Child Abuse America today. Kansas was chosen as the first chapter location in 1976 and the first-ever Governor’s Conference was held in the fall later that year. KCSL became the Prevent Child Abuse of Kansas chapter in 1993, thus overseeing the Governor’s Conference since. The Governor’s Conference ensures professionals working with children have proper training in the field of child abuse and neglect.