Kansas committee hears push to strengthen Foster Care Bill of Rights, require child-facing notice and documentation Supporters and youth advocates told the House Committee on Child Welfare and Foster Care that HB 26 38 would require age-appropriate notice of foster-care rights and documented acknowledgment in the child’s file to improve accountability and help youth self-advocate.

Kansas advocates are pushing for a significant change that would ensure foster children know their rights, aiming to bridge the gap between policy and practice for better accountability.

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#KS #CitizenPortal #FosterCareRights #ChildWelfare #YouthAccountability #KansasFosterCare

DCF: Graduation, promotion and enrollment measures improved for Kansas students in foster care, but gaps remain Department for Children and Families presented the 2024–25 foster care report card showing a rise in graduation to 72% (from 64.6% in 2022–23), narrowing gaps with all students and increased access to preschool and mental-health supports, while discipline disparities persist.

Kansas students in foster care are making strides with a graduation rate boost to 72%, but challenges like discipline disparities still loom.

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#KS #DisciplinaryDisparities #CitizenPortal #MentalHealthSupport #EducationImprovement #KansasFosterCare

DCF asks committee to retain $7.7M reappropriation for CCWIS, fund regional foster‑care stabilization and IT upgrades Department for Children and Families asked the Committee on Social Services Budget to allow retention of a $7.7 million CCWIS reappropriation, to support targeted foster‑care stabilization in Sedgwick County, and to fund several IT upgrades and contract adjustments that the agency says are necessary to operate and to lower SNAP error rates.

The Department for Children and Families is pushing to secure a crucial $7.7 million reappropriation to modernize child welfare systems and enhance foster care stabilization in Kansas.

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#KS #CommunityStabilization #ChildWelfare #KansasFosterCare #ITModernization #CitizenPortal

Kansas DCF Secretary outlines child-welfare declines, CCWIS modernization and early HB 20-75 impacts Secretary Laura Howard told the Public Health and Welfare committee that Kansas has about 5,400 youth in foster care — roughly a 25% decline since 2019 — and described DCF's CCWIS contract award and early results from last year's House Bill 20-75, including a reported 42% drop in police protective-custody removals.

Kansas is witnessing a remarkable 25% decline in youth in foster care since 2019, thanks to innovative prevention services and new legislation.

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#KS #ChildWelfare #KansasFosterCare #FamilyPrevention #YouthSupport #CitizenPortal

Our December newsletter recently went out, and it’s one of our richest editions of the year. Read the December newsletter here: https://loom.ly/5UDNv60 And subscribe to receive future emails from us: https://loom.ly/Lr1wt7s
#ChildAdvocacy #CASAcommunity #KansasFosterCare

Our newsletter shares what’s happening in the child welfare system, why it matters for our communities, and where help is most needed. Sign up here: https://loom.ly/Lr1wt7s

#ChildAdvocacy #KansasFosterCare #CASACommunity #StepUpForKansasKids

This article breaks down five realities of the Kansas child welfare system and five ways CASA volunteers change the story for kids: providing a consistent adult, independent advocacy, rigorous training, a voice in court, and better outcomes. https://loom.ly/Iabv8iU
#CASACommunity #KansasFosterCare

ICYMI: When Tiffany was in foster care, that constant in her life was CASA Kathy McCarter. “One of the most important roles I played was simply being the person who had known her the longest,” says Kathy. Read her Q&A: https://loom.ly/i99zgCA

#CASACommunity #KansasFosterCare #ChildAdvocacy

Douglas County CASA is proud to launch Step Up for Kansas Kids, an initiative to build support for children and families involved in the child welfare system across Kansas. Sign up today and share with a friend: https://loom.ly/FXe-QnA

#CASACommunity #KansasFosterCare #StepUpForKansasKids

Kansas House passes House Bill 23 11 despite concerns over child welfare The Kansas House votes to override the governor's veto on House Bill 23 11.

The Kansas House has ignited a fierce debate by passing House Bill 23 11, raising serious concerns about the welfare of LGBTQ+ youth in foster care placements.

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#KS #ChildWelfare #CitizenPortal #Rights #LegislativeDebate #KansasFosterCare

Kansas committee reviews bill supporting foster parents' religious beliefs on gender identity Committee discusses bill preventing discrimination against foster parents based on religious beliefs.

A heated debate unfolds in Kansas as lawmakers discuss a controversial bill that could allow foster parents to reject children based on their religious beliefs about gender identity.

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#KS #ChildWelfare #CitizenPortal #Rights #KansasFosterCare #ReligiousFreedom

Judge Macias calls for improved juvenile justice tools in Sedgwick County Judge Macias advocates for expanded options and tools for juvenile offenders in Sedgwick County

Judge Macias reveals alarming gaps in Kansas' juvenile justice system, calling for urgent reforms to protect youth and community safety.

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#KS #JuvenileJustice #KansasFosterCare #ChildWelfare #CommunitySafety #CitizenPortal

Chloe discusses LGBTQ youth challenges in Kansas foster care system Chloe highlights the need for affirming homes for LGBTQ youth in foster care.

LGBTQ youth in Kansas foster care are facing unique challenges that demand urgent attention and support from caregivers.

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#KS #MentalHealthSupport #LGBTQAffirmation #KansasFosterCare #ChildWelfare #CitizenPortal

Chloe Chaffin urges Kansas committee to reject harmful foster care bill for queer youth Chloe Chaffin calls for protection of queer kids in Kansas foster care during testimony.

In a heartfelt testimony, Chloe Chaffin urged Kansas lawmakers to prioritize the safety and emotional well-being of queer youth in foster care, warning that a proposed bill could deepen their struggles.

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#KS #PolicyReform #KansasFosterCare #QueerYouth #ChildWelfare

Kansas panel rejects funding proposal for foster care children amid budget concerns Committee declines $8 million recommendation for youth foster care funding and early childhood programs.

Kansas lawmakers faced a critical decision on funding for foster care and early childhood programs, but their recent vote has left vulnerable children in the lurch.

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#KS #BudgetReform #EarlyChildhood #KansasFosterCare #CitizenPortal #ChildWelfare