Sedgwick County
Strengthening Coordinated Response in Sedgwick County
About the Sedgwick County DEC Alliance
The Sedgwick County Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (SCDEC) is a multidisciplinary partnership committed to improving outcomes for children impacted by substance use in Wichita and surrounding communities.
The alliance brings together professionals from law enforcement, healthcare, behavioral health, education, child welfare, and community organizations to strengthen early identification, coordinated response, and trauma-informed support.
Through structured collaboration, local partners work to reduce service gaps and connect children and families to appropriate services as early as possible.
Local Leadership
DEC Coordinators
- Sarah Robinson
- Deidra Fountain
Board of Directors
- Cindy Miles, Board Chair
- Rachael Harper, Vice Chair
- Cyndi Howerton, Director at Large
- Candace Johnson, Director at Large
- Sandra Lessor, Director at Large
- Kim Moody, Director at Large
- Ashton Unrein, Director at Large
What We Do in Sedgwick County
The Sedgwick County DEC Alliance works to:
- Provide multidisciplinary training for professionals
- Coordinate response across agencies
- Strengthen trauma-informed practices
- Improve referral pathways
- Support children identified in substance-impacted environments
Through structured collaboration, local partners work together to reduce service gaps and ensure children are connected to appropriate resources as early as possible.
Local Initiatives & Programs
Care Package Program
Sedgwick County DEC initiative distributes Lambi Learns kits and Sesame Street resources to help educate children, caregivers, and professionals about substance misuse and its impact on families while providing tools that support resilience and early prevention.
These backpacks may include:
- Hygiene supplies
- Age-appropriate comfort items
- School supplies
- Resource information for caregivers
Community donations and partnerships help sustain this effort.
Training & Awareness
Sedgwick County DEC hosts a day-long conference and remote training on most fourth Wednesdays of even months from 11:30 -12:30. In addition, Sedgwick DEC participates in community events through resource tabling, sharing information through newsletters and a community resource guide, and supporting awareness efforts such as DEC Awareness Month and Safe a Life Day.
We have a certified National DEC trainer on staff to offer 15, 30, or 90-minute training on DEC awareness and the DEC Approach. Professionals interested in training opportunities or collaboration are encouraged to contact the alliance directly.
Support the Sedgwick County Alliance
Community support strengthens coordinated response in Sedgwick County.
To contribute to local efforts, including training and resource initiatives:
Contact the Sedgwick County DEC Alliance
Statewide Connection
The Sedgwick County DEC Alliance is supported by the Kansas Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (KADEC) and aligned with the National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children.
When communities coordinate early, children experience fewer gaps in care.