We are Kathey and Rob Raskin of Las Vegas, and we believe our nation’s children are the #1 priority. This is why we want DHR to be held accountable.
A task force created to repair Kansas’ problematic foster care system largely depended on the ideas of a lone member to meet a deadline for initial proposals, displaying the intimidating nature of its job and some issues within the panel.
The Child Welfare System Task Force, created in June 2017, gave its first report, with preliminary suggestions, to the legislature on Monday. However, lawmakers only scheduled 35 minutes to go over the report at their most recent meeting. Many task force members believe it wasn’t enough time to encourage any profound progress.
Rep. Jarrod Ousley, a Merriam Democrat and one of the most vocal backers of the task force stated, “I was personally […] shocked by the little amount of time that was set on the agenda […] to talk about it. I was hoping to have a more thorough discussion.”
Rep. Linda Gallagher, a Republican, was the sole task force member to present recommendations at the December meeting. Her list of concerns and suggestions, with a few additions, was in the report given to the legislature on Monday. Gallagher was also surprised there wasn’t more discussion of the preliminary results.
She stated, “I’m […] disappointed that we don’t have a […] formal report to the legislature. But it is very early, so […] people […] thought we’re not far enough into it yet to […] have very much to say…”
Since its first meeting in August, a great deal has changed for the task force. Phyllis Gilmore was the beleaguered former head of the DCF, and a common target of reproach about Kansas’s fraught foster care system. She retired on the first of December. A member of the task force, social worker, and former DCF administrator, Gina Meier-Hummel, replaced her.
The task force’s vice chairman, Rep. Steve Alford, left the panel following criticism of racist statements he made during a town hall. He also resigned from the House Children and Seniors Committee. This committee endorsed the original bill establishing the task force, and it’s one place where possible legislative corrections to the child welfare system’s issue could begin.
Additionally, Secretary Meier-Hummel and Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer stated the DCF is attempting to secure more funds to address significant issues which surfaced during the task force’s four meetings. These issues include children sleeping in foster care contractors’ offices and a growing number of children entering foster care. Ousley stated he was heartened to hear the administration is working to make child welfare a priority.
We back holding DHHS responsible, and we, Rob and Kathey Raskin, want to see change. If you’ve been witness to problems with your local office, report them here. Then, do your part to get your state officials participating. Contact your state representatives here.