Lori Ross (via Topeka Capital-Journal): Let’s not be misled about Kansas’ failed foster care system

1/18/2019

"The harsh realities of Kansas’ foster care system should be front and center as the new administration takes office and the legislative session begins. Each day at FosterAdopt Connect, we see the trauma imposed on children in the system. Until Kansas kids receive the care they’re entitled to, the spotlight must remain brightly focused on our child welfare system.

The number of children in Kansas foster care is still near record highs. According to a class-action lawsuit, kids in care bounce from placement to placement at dangerously high rates, disrupting their schooling and access to mental and behavioral health services.

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According to a new report from the Strengthen Families Rebuild Hope coalition, the number of kids in family-like settings is at its lowest level in at least a decade. The average length of stay for kids in care increased to its highest level in over 10 years (21.1 months). Kansas also hit record levels for splitting up siblings in care and kids’ likelihood to reenter care after leaving."

Read More: Topeka Capital-Journal