The KVC Story

KVC Behavioral HealthCare, Inc. (formerly Kaw Valley Center) is a private, not-for-profit organization providing a continuum of medical and behavioral healthcare, education, and social services to children and families. KVC is the most comprehensive behavioral healthcare network in Kansas, providing one of the most extensive continuums of care for at-risk children.

KVC Behavioral HealthCare began in 1970 as Wyandotte House, a single group home for boys, and it has grown into an organization serving more than 10,000 children a year. KVC’s success in improving the lives of children and families stems from the philosophies of innovation, adaptability and creativity. When KVC sees a need for children, we work toward a solution.

In 1996, Kansas privatized its foster care system and now contracts with private agencies for the care of children in state custody. KVC serves as the state’s largest child care provider and is responsible for 40% of the children in the state’s child welfare system. KVC holds the contract for regions two and three, which covers a 30-county area. These counties include Johnson and Wyandotte and extend south to Miami County, north to the Nebraska border and west to Saline County. Under the new model developed by Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS), KVC will maintain responsibility for returning children safely to their homes or for placing the children with loving and caring adoptive families.

KVC Behavioral HealthCare provides an array of medical and behavioral healthcare services to children and families. KVC operates the KVC Psychiatric Hospital, the KVC Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility and the KVC Outpatient Clinic in Kansas City, Kansas. The Olathe headquarters also operates a KVC Outpatient Clinic, a Family Resource Center and the Ball Conference Center, a 4,000 square-foot facility with state-of-the-art technology to enhance training for staff, resource families and the community. KVC is accredited by The Joint Commission.

The mission of KVC is to enrich and enhance the lives of children and families by providing medical and behavioral healthcare, social services and education.