Kansas Audit Finds Problems In Privatized Foster Care System, Faults DCF For Lax Oversight

A state audit found that the Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) has not provided adequate oversight to its foster care contractors, KVC Behavioral Healthcare (KVC) and St. Francis Community Services. The audit found that DCF failed to conduct background checks on foster families, some foster homes had inadequate sleeping space for children, and monthly in-person visits to foster homes did not always take place.

The Kansas foster care program has been privatized since 1997. The contractors provide placement and case management services for children and families across the state. The services are focused on reunifying children with . . .