By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The new building for the newly created Kansas Department of Human Services is still set for completion this summer.
"The current timeline for the building puts completion in July," said DHS spokesperson Mike Deines in an email to HutchPost. "As with any new build, weather and other unexpected factors could alter the timeline."
The former Department for Children and Families has its office in South Hutchinson until the building next to the Hutchinson Mall is complete. The new location will be a place for services formerly performed by the Department for Children and Families and the Department for Aging and Disability Services.
"We think one of the benefits of combining agencies is that our current service centers really become a single point of entry for a wide range of services," Dienes said.
In addition to the traditional DCF services like SNAP, child care assistance, foster care etc, Kansans will now be able to access KDADS services as well.
For example, seniors or their caregivers will be able to:
1.Receive an application for Medicaid to apply for in-home services on the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Frail Elderly (FE) waiver.
2.Receive an application for Medicaid to apply for services in a nursing facility.
3.Receive referrals to the Area Agency on Aging in their catchment area to learn more about the Senior Care Act in-home services program.
4.Receive referrals to the Area Agency on Aging in their catchment area to learn more about nutrition services, including Meals on Wheels and CHAMPSS (Choosing Healthy Appetizing Meal Plan Solutions for Seniors).
The agency had briefly considered moving to the Kansas State Fairgrounds when its lease with the building owners in South Hutchinson expired, but they were able to reach a temporary agreement until the new facility is built.