© 2024 Kansas Public Radio

91.5 FM | KANU | Lawrence, Topeka, Kansas City
96.1 FM | K241AR | Lawrence (KPR2)
89.7 FM | KANH | Emporia
99.5 FM | K258BT | Manhattan
97.9 FM | K250AY | Manhattan (KPR2)
91.3 FM | KANV | Junction City, Olsburg
89.9 FM | K210CR | Atchison
90.3 FM | KANQ | Chanute

See the Coverage Map for more details

FCC On-line Public Inspection Files Sites:
KANU, KANH, KANV, KANQ

Questions about KPR's Public Inspection Files?
Contact General Manager Feloniz Lovato-Winston at fwinston@ku.edu
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

DCF Secretary Says New Foster Care Agreements Increase Oversight and Costs

Kansas News Service file photo
Kansas News Service file photo

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 has more:


Stephen Koranda is KPR's Statehouse reporter.