For the third year in a row, an independent review has shown Kansas’ foster care system is failing to improve key issues, especially housing instability and mental health care delays. I’ve seen this problem firsthand... Over a year ago, my niece was placed in my care, and we’re still waiting for the kinship paperwork we were promised. Calls to the caseworker have gone unanswered, leaving us without clear direction.
The latest report, part of a lawsuit settlement from 2020, highlights how foster children across Kansas are still being let down by the system. Many children face instability, moving between foster homes an average of eight times over three years—far above the five-move limit set by the agreement. Worse yet, mental health care is often delayed, with 20% of children missing out on services due to housing problems.
While the state has made some progress, such as reducing the number of children sleeping in non-licensed facilities, the improvements are small and temporary. The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) still struggles with overloaded caseworkers, making it difficult to provide the support these children need.
Governor Laura Kelly has acknowledged the need for further improvement. But for families like mine, the system remains slow, frustrating, and in need of urgent reform. Foster children deserve better stability, mental health care, and support. The time for real change is now.
