PITTSBURG, Kan. (AP) — Lacy and Tom Nickelson didn't realize the critical need for foster care services in southeastern Kansas until they began working with children in police protective custody two years ago.

Children are placed in police protective custody after they're removed from their parents or guardians but while still waiting to be entered into the foster care system.

"In Kansas, we call it short-term placement for children who come into care, and it averages about three to six days, depending on the child or children that you take in," Lacy Nickelson said. "It was such an eye-opening...