Prevention with Purpose
Strengthening Youth & Families
At O’Connell Children’s Shelter, our prevention programs meet families at the first sign of struggle. From truancy and early diversion to in-home therapy to multi-generational case management, we provide the structure and resources families need to stay together and thrive. Our services don't wait for a crisis to happen – we are there to prevent a crisis from happening in the first place.
Not sure which program you need? Complete our self-referral form and we'll get back to you soon!
Our Programs
Prevention programming focuses on strengthening protective factors, building resiliency, and promoting long-term well-being in individuals, families, and communities.
Generations Program
Multi-generational family-centered case management focused on breaking cycles of poverty simultaneously with caregivers and children. This program helps build stability, protective factors and resiliency together.
Functional Family Therapy (FFT)
Evidence-based short-term therapy that improves communication, problem-solving, and relationships within families. Helps youth reduce risky behaviors and strengthens family bonds.
Prevention Case Management
Providing crisis stabilization support through safety planning, assessment tools, and connection to resources to keep families safely together. Focuses on collaborative goal-setting, and community referrals as the first step to long-term stability.
Truancy Case Management
Supporting students to stay engaged in school by addressing barriers to attendance and connecting families to needed resources. Building stronger connections between families & schools.
Intensive Family Services
DCF-referred support to keep children safely at home. Goal-setting and collaborative case planning strive to restore stability and safety.
Fresh Start Kansas
Keeping young people out of the juvenile justice and child welfare systems through mentoring, accountability, and connection to community resources. Promotes second chances and brighter futures.
THRIVE
24/7 crisis co-response program supporting youth and caregivers facing urgent challenges. THRIVE is activated through partnerships with law enforcement, first responders, and community agencies.
Strong Partners Strong Communities
O’Connell Children’s Shelter works hand-in-hand with state and area agencies, schools, courts, and community organizations to provide holistic support for children and families. These partnerships ensure that prevention programs are effective, sustainable, and connected to the broader network of care in our community.
O'Connell Children's Shelter in 0ne Word
While prevention is our first line of defense, not every crisis can be avoided. When families cannot remain safely together, O’Connell becomes a place of safety, structure, and healing. Our residential program serves youth who need more than a plan—they need a home, a team, and the chance to rebuild in an environment that believes in their worth. When hope can’t grow at home, we help it grow here.
"HOPE"
"SUPPORT"
"RESILIENCE"
"DEDICATION"
Dr. Torrez Dawson
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Aubrey Cook
PREVENTION CASE MANAGER
Cameron Roark
PREVENTION CASE MANAGER
Meg Hasselman
YRC MANAGER
O'Connell Children's Shelter in 0ne Word
While prevention is our first line of defense, not every crisis can be avoided. When families cannot remain safely together, O’Connell becomes a place of safety, structure, and healing. Our residential program serves youth who need more than a plan—they need a home, a team, and the chance to rebuild in an environment that believes in their worth. When hope can’t grow at home, we help it grow here.
"HOPE"
Dr. Torrez Dawson
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
"SUPPORT"
Aubrey Cook
PREVENTION CASE MANAGER
"RESILIENCE"
Cameron Roark
PREVENTION CASE MANAGER
"DEDICATION"
Meg Hasselman
YRC MANAGER
The OCS Toolbox
Resources to support prevention programming through O'Connell Children's Shelter.
THRIVE
24/7 crisis line available to law enforcement, first responders, crisis response units, schools and community agencies serving families.
OCS Cabinet
A space with items in it that specific clients can get for free, such as clothing, hygiene items, and more. This is an available resource for current OCS prevention clients.
Assessment Tools
Coming soon!