April 26, 2006

Sebelius takes action to protect vulnerable Kansans
Governor signs executive order forming council to represent disabled adults

Kansans with disabilities must be shielded from abuse, and Governor Kathleen Sebelius today announced new action her administration is taking to ensure vulnerable Kansans are protected.

Sebelius signed an executive order forming the Kansas Interagency Council on Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation. She tasked the group with finding weaknesses in current safeguards for vulnerable Kansans and recommending steps to strengthen the state’s protection of these residents.

“Kansans with disabilities, particularly those living in group care homes, deserve a special level of protection. As we saw in the Kaufman case, sadly that hasn’t always happened. That’s why I’m bringing together representatives from law enforcement, care providers and advocates to find ways to end abuse against our fellow Kansans,” said Sebelius.

“This council is in addition to the resources I’ve called for in the Attorney General’s office to investigate and prosecute suspected cases of abuse,” she added.

Last week, Governor Sebelius proposed adding an Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Unit to the Attorney General’s office. This proposal is under consideration by the Legislature.

The council will bring together individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation. It will report its findings in January, in time for the Governor and Legislature to take further action to protect vulnerable Kansans.

The Governor will appoint seven representatives to the council, at least four of which represent the interests of persons with physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, advanced age, and mental illness, and at least three of which shall be persons who are members of those populations.

Additionally, the Attorney General, Kansas County and District Attorneys Association and Association of Chiefs of Police will have representatives on the council, as will the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Kansas Department on Aging

The executive order is No. 06-05.