A Healing Home
When Families Can't Be Together
Every child deserves to grow up in a safe family setting, but there are times when that’s not possible—because of abuse, neglect, severe behavioral challenges, or family conflict. In those moments, O’Connell Children’s Shelter provides structured, trauma-informed residential care. Our homes give youth stability, safety, and the chance to begin building toward brighter futures.
What We Provide
Residential care provides a supportive alternative until youth can safely reunite with family, transition to permanency, or become an independent member of our community. Youth in our homes experience far more than just a place to stay through a program of stability, healing, and growth.
Structured Support
Around-the-clock staff presence provides consistency, supervision, and a safe, nurturing home environment.
Education & Enrichment
Youth attend public schools and receive tutoring, while also participating in sports, activities, and community programs.
Health & Healing
Therapy, substance use services, and individualized treatment plans address each child’s emotional & behavioral needs.
What We Provide
Residential care provides a supportive alternative until youth can safely reunite with family, transition to permanency, or become an independent member of our community. Youth in our homes experience far more than just a place to stay through a program of stability, healing, and growth.
Respite Care
In addition to long-term placements, OCS provides respite care for youth ages 6–18. Respite care offers up to seven days of safe, short-term support each month. This service gives caregivers needed relief while ensuring children remain cared for in a structured and supportive environment. Referrals can be arranged through mental health providers or by private agreement.
Helping Through Change Short-Term Support Services
Police Protective Custody (PPC)
Short-Term Care When Safety is Uncertain
Youth ages 6-18 may be placed in PPC care when an immediate, safe environment is needed. O'Connell offers a familiar, supportive setting while next steps are determined.
- Short stays up to three business days
- Keeps youth closer to home and community supports
- Available to any Kansas county when transportation is provided
- Staff offer guidance, stability, and reassurance during transition
Coming Soon!
Juvenile Crisis Intervention Center (JCIC)
Stabilization and Support During Difficult Moments
The JCIC will provide a safe, short-term environment for youth experiencing emotional or situational crisis. The focus is on calming, understanding, and connecting families to the right resources.
- On-site assessment and individualized support
- De-escalation and care planning with trained staff
- Connection to community services for ongoing stability
Our Homes More than Shelter
O'Connell Children's Shelter operates five licensed group homes across Douglas County, with a licensed capacity of nearly 60 youth at a time. Each home provides stability, structure, and trauma-informed care for children ages 6-22. Our role is to ensure immediate safety while helping every young person move toward permanence-whether through reunification with family, kinship care, or independence into adulthood.
The Williams & Winter Houses
Family-Style Care in Lawrence
Two group homes within the city serve youth ages 10-18. They provide stability, access to public schools, tutoring, and community activities. Youth also have access to healthcare and therapy through community providers. Trauma-informed staff provide support in this family-like setting.
The Ranch Homes
Nearly 140 Acres of Space to Grow
Three group homes on our rural Ranch campus combine structured living with open space for healing. Youth are encouraged to take part in recreation, gardening, and sports, while older youth can work as Gardening Assistants, gaining valuable job experience and responsibility.
Every OCS home is more than a place to stay—it's a space where youth find safety, support, and the chance to build brighter futures. You can help us keep these homes strong for every child who needs one.