The Oakley City Council unanimously approved an $8,000 allocation to the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center for the 2026 budget year after the agency’s representative updated the council on services and funding risks.

Don Rivera, representing the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center, told the council the agency serves 34 counties and provides interviews, advocacy and free therapy to children and families who are involved with law enforcement and the court process. Rivera said the center operates a mobile medical unit for counties without a medical facility and that staffing and equipment shortages strain services in some southern counties.

“...we are the agency that works with law enforcement department, children, families, and other entities, essentially in charge of the safety of children,” Rivera said. He also warned of possible disruptions to federal grants and urged local partners to maintain reserves.

Council discussion focused on the practical needs Rivera described — office space and a medical room in Finney County, and staff retention as leadership and clinicians change. Council members asked about the agency’s ability to sustain services if federal grant reimbursements paused; Rivera said the agency was building reserves and had contingency plans but that future funding remained uncertain.

Steve moved to allocate $8,000 in next year’s budget; Russ seconded the motion. The council voted unanimously to approve the allocation.

Council members closed the item by expressing support for the center’s work and regret that the city could not contribute a larger amount.