Privatization of foster care faces Douglas County turmoil
Frustrations mount as more than 200 Douglas County children enter foster care amid a statewide shift to privatized welfare services. Critics cite rapid privatization, staff turnover, communication gaps, and transportation and placement challenges, while officials defend the long term goal of improved outcomes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Douglas County
SRS
Kaw Valley
Shepherd
Lawrence
Camille Dalager
Roberts
Raw Valley
Kansas Overhauls Foster Care After 1989 Lawsuit
Kansas reformed its foster care system after a 1989 lawsuit alleging constitutional rights violations. The ACLU and Children's Rights Project helped shape an out of court settlement in 1993. Privatization began under Gov. Bill Graves with contracts in 1995 and 1996 transferring 3,466 cases to private providers and 2,000 foster homes now served. A July legislative audit found 60 of 78 court settlement requirements unmet, prompting a judge to appoint a task force to address remaining problems.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bill Graves
Washington, D.C
Ohio
National Governors Assn
Graves
Overland Park
SRS
Kaw Valley
Kansas
Teresa Markowitz
Teresa Markowitz, Commissioner of Children and Family Services At Srs
Children and Family Services
State Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services
Topeka
Rene Netherton
Netherton
The
American Civil Liberties Union
Children’s Rights Project
New
ACLU
Also Mentioned on This Page
Dalager
Kansas City
Kaw
Nancy Montgomery
Con
Montgomery
Robertson
Sandy Praeger
Wayne Sims
Anne Roberts
Sims
Markowitz
the Future For Kids
Praeger
Gary Brunk
Kansas Action For Children
Grand Canyons
Tim Carpenter
Tim
Iyworld.com
Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services
United Methodist Youthville
Garden City - Hays
Hutchison
Wichita
Salina
Manhattan
Kansas Children's Service League
Emporia
Chanute
Lawrence Olathe
Kaw Valley Center
Lawren
Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services
Terry Stevens
Journal-World Graphic
Cch
Blue Cross
Blue Shield
SaCoe
UnivRe EG
Kopp
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