Row concave Shape Decorative svg added to bottom

Programs & Services

Row concave Shape Decorative svg added to bottom
Support for Every Step Forward
Row concave Shape Decorative svg added to bottom
Row concave Shape Decorative svg added to bottom
Support for Every Step Forward
Row concave Shape Decorative svg added to top
O'Connell Graphic 12

Care That Adapts to Every Family's Needs

Care That Adapts to

Every Family's Needs

At O’Connell Children’s Shelter, we offer a range of programs designed to support youth and families at different points in their journey. Whether a family needs early intervention, short-term stabilization, or long-term care, our services are built to provide safety, connection, and a path forward, always centered on the well-being of the child.

O'Connell Graphic 21
Row concave Shape Decorative svg added to top

Our Programs & Services

Over-the-shoulder view of a young man and woman sitting across from a female professional taking notes in a bright office, representing a collaborative family support meeting.

Prevention Programs

Early intervention services that strengthen families, reduce risk, and address challenges before they become crises, helping youth stay safely at home and connected to their communities.

The exterior of a yellow residential home at O'Connell Children's Shelter, providing a safe and stable living environment for youth in the residential programs.

Residential Programs

Short-term, structured care for youth who cannot remain safely at home. Our residential programs focus on healing, stability, and preparing youth for reunification, permanency, or independence.

A child looking out over a grassy field during golden hour, representing the nurturing environment and youth support programs at O'Connell Children’s Shelter in Lawrence, Kansas.

Foster Care

Supportive, family-based placements for children who need temporary or long-term care, paired with ongoing guidance and resources for foster families.

Row concave Shape Decorative svg added to top

Our Programs & Services

Over-the-shoulder view of a young man and woman sitting across from a female professional taking notes in a bright office, representing a collaborative family support meeting.

Prevention Programs

The exterior of a yellow residential home at O'Connell Children's Shelter, providing a safe and stable living environment for youth in the residential programs.

Residential Programs

A child looking out over a grassy field during golden hour, representing the nurturing environment and youth support programs at O'Connell Children’s Shelter in Lawrence, Kansas.

Foster Care

A close-up of a diverse group of people stacking their hands together in a circle, symbolizing community support and teamwork at O'Connell Children’s Shelter in Lawrence, Kansas.

Strong Partners Strong Communities

O’Connell Children’s Shelter works alongside families, schools, courts, and community partners to provide coordinated, compassionate care across every stage of a child’s journey. Our programs are built on trust, collaboration, and the belief that every young person deserves safety, stability, and opportunity.

Row concave Shape Decorative svg added to bottom

Our Impact by the Numbers

Our Impact

by the Numbers

*2024 results

youth were cared for across five licensed residential facilities
people were offered prevention services including 127 within our new Generations programming
families were supported through Intensive Family Services
youth, and their families, engaged in early diversion services - intervening before court involvement, positively altering each youth's trajectory
Row concave Shape Decorative svg added to top
O'Connell Graphic 19

Supporting Stronger Futures

In Many Different Ways

From prevention to residential care and foster services, our work is rooted in the belief that every child deserves safety, stability, and the opportunity to thrive.

O'Connell Graphic 50