Douglas County, Kansas
Continuing Education Event

Statewide Child Welfare Advocacy & Accountability Updates

11:00 am
to
1:00 pm
|
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
|
725 N. 2nd Street, Suite M Lawrence, KS 66044
RSVP or register >>

Join us at our new building to hear updates on child advocacy and accountability in Kansas. A light lunch will be provided.

KDCA (Kansas Division of the Child Advocate) Kansas Child Advocate - Kerrie Lonard

Kerrie will cover the role and history of the Child Advocate in the state of Kansas that includes the complaint process and types of investigations that they handle. Kerrie will also touch on the variety of levels of statewide advocacy and accountability and how to get involved on a local level. Kerrie will discuss different boards and coalitions that have an impact on child welfare in Kansas and what changes and recommendations can be made by working with these organizations to work collaboratively; "Child and Family Wellbeing is not siloed but a community matter that affects us all.”

DCF ( Department for Children and Families) Settlement Administrator – Kristine Wheat

Kristine will be discussing the Kansas McIntyre Settlement Agreement. She will highlight the main components of the Settlement Agreement and the goals and outcomes for Kansas foster care youth. She will share how the Settlement is designed to include Kansas agencies and stakeholders statewide to promote and sustain Settlement goals. She will explain the scope of the Settlement and outline roles in the execution of the Settlement Agreement including accountability and advocacy opportunities.

Douglas County CASA’s (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Executive Director – Erick Vaughn

Erick will be discussing his work with KFAAB (Kansas Foster Accountability Advisory Board) and their mission in relation to a settlement with DCF and other state agencies. This settlement focuses on topics such as youth in foster care, mental health support and the importance of permanency. Erick will break down the different relationships the board holds with various child welfare agencies in the state of Kansas as well as discuss how this board is unique in its power to enact change.