The top child welfare official in Kansas says bringing in additional contractors under a new series of grants will cost more but will help put the troubled foster care system on solid footing.
Department for Children and Families Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel says the cost will rise $35 million per year. Kansas will have more contractors and she says that will make it easier to serve the more than 7,000 kids in foster care.
Meier-Hummel says the new structure will mean less travel time for kids going into placements.
“We have tried to listen and create the best child welfare system in Kansas. And I truly believe that is what you’re going to receive as a result,” she said at an event.
Meier-Hummel is also defending the choice to hire Eckerd Connects, a nonprofit criticized for its performance in Florida. She says the group was picked for its work and proposals in Kansas.
Stephen Koranda is Statehouse reporter for Kansas Public Radio, a partner in the Kansas News Service. Follow him on Twitter @kprkoranda. Kansas News Service stories and photos may be republished at no cost with proper attribution and a link back to the original post. To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us at news@kmuw.org.
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