Kansas Orphan Asylum, first known as the Leavenworth Protestant Orphan Asylum and Home for Friendless Children, was organized and incorporated in 1866, as a private charitable institution for the county and city of Leavenworth. It was located on a tract of 5 acres of land on south Broadway about a mile from the city. The cost of the land and first building was $4,000, all obtained by private subscriptions and donations. At first the asylum had only the right to receive and dispose of children under the apprentice law, and many applications were made by people desiring to adopt children. On Feb. 2, 1867, the legislature passed an act authorizing the asylum "to receive and retain orphans, destitute and friendless children, and provide the same with homes for such time, not exceeding their majority, and upon such terms as the board of directors may determine."

The institution grew so rapidly that in 1871 the state was asked to make an appropriation for its support, and $2,500 was granted the asylum by the legislature of that year. This amount was not enough, however, for the erection of new buildings and the money was placed on interest until a larger fund could be raised. As the necessity for more room became imperative, the board of trustees asked for and received an appropriation of $7,000 in 1874. This, with the previous $2,500, was used for the erection of a new building. The act of 1874 provided that the name be changed to the Kansas Orphan Asylum, and that children from all the counties of the state should be admitted. Since then frequent appropriations have been made by the legislature to further the work of the asylum.

In 1877 the board of trustees was empowered to organize auxiliary societies throughout the state. The object of the asylum is to provide a home for orphan and friendless children. It seeks to protect the helpless who have no natural protectors.