Child Protective Services Report delivered to the Governor
Sebelius appreciates task force recommendations

In 2006, a case of child abuse involving two Wichita children revealed weaknesses in the state’s child protective services system.

As a result, Governor Kathleen Sebelius created the Child Protective Services Task Force to review Kansas laws, policies and practices that deal with protecting children from abuse and neglect.

Today, the task force delivered their recommendations to the governor. 

“I appreciate the hard work and thoughtful recommendations of the Task Force headed by former state senator, Tim Emert,” Sebelius said. “Unthinkable acts of child abuse brought to light the need for improvements in the way the state intervenes on behalf of children. We took immediate action, working with the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services to make sure other children didn’t fall through the gaps in the system. This report offers further systemic changes to improve the safety of all Kansas children.”

The Governor has asked SRS Secretary Don Jordan to review these recommendations and report back with a plan for implementation.

The items which require additional resources are being evaluated for inclusion in the Governor’s FY 2009 budget, since the safety and protection of Kansas children is a top priority.

Last year, Sebelius ordered a number of reforms in the ways Kansas prevents, identifies, and handles reports of child abuse. These reforms are designed to ensure reports are properly handled and investigated.

Additionally, Sebelius provided $1 million to create child advocacy centers around the state. These organizations bring law enforcement and social services organizations together under one roof to coordinate efforts to protect children.

A full copy of the report, which includes a list of task force members, can be found online at http://www.governor.ks.gov/documents/071129-FinalCPSreport.pdf

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