Statement: The Oversight Kansas Kids Deserve

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Kansas Appleseed's statement on establishing the Kansas Division of the Child Advocate

Published 2021-10-04

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, October 4, 2021

THE OVERSIGHT KANSAS KIDS DESERVE

“By establishing the Division of the Child Advocate, Kansas children and families now have a place to turn to that they can count on for robust oversight and accountability for our state’s foster care system. We applaud Governor Laura Kelly and the immense work and collaboration required to accomplish this.

For years, Kansas Appleseed has worked for reforms and independent oversight of our state’s foster care system. The unwavering dedication from countless advocates—including our partners in the Strengthen Families Rebuild Hope coalition—has been invaluable in laying the foundation for today’s executive order. We would especially like to recognize the work of Representatives Susan Concannon and Jarrod Ousley and Senator Molly Baumgardner who served as bipartisan champions in the Kansas Legislature for the Division of the Child Advocate.

All Kansas children deserve bright and hopeful futures, and we are thrilled to work in partnership with state leaders to continue to build a more thriving, inclusive, and just state. The Division of the Child Advocate is the transparent and truly independent watchdog our kids, families, social workers, and communities need.”

—Jami Reever, Executive Director, Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice

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