Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau expressed frustration that Kansas had not addressed the overrepresentation of Black children in foster care, suggesting cultural biases might lead to unjust removals.
Judith Meltzer, the court-appointed monitor for Kansas’ foster care reform settlement, criticized the state for using sleep-only placements, which distort statistics and do not provide real stability for foster children.
She noted Kansas had failed to meet improvement targets set by a 2020 legal settlement, including reducing office and motel stays for children.
Brenna Visocsky of Kansas Appleseed highlighted the problem, with some children being required to leave foster homes daily by 6 a.m. Kansas Appleseed’s 2018 lawsuit led to a settlement requiring DCF to provide stable placements.
Secretary Laura Howard acknowledged system challenges but pointed to progress, such as reducing foster numbers and increasing relative placements.
Despite efforts, Kansas continues to miss key goals, including reducing placement moves and providing adequate mental health services. Lawmakers voiced concerns over the slow pace of reforms, inadequate IT systems, and the disproportionate impact on minority children.
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