In 2023, 11 kids died in Kansas foster care. DCF secretary calls for transparency in criminal cases • Kansas Reflector

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Foster Care System in Kansas

Introduction

The foster care system in Kansas has come under scrutiny due to the deaths of eleven youths in 2023, according to records obtained through a Kansas Open Records Act request. These incidents have sparked demands for accountability and highlighted the need to address the issues within the system.

Department’s Efforts and Call for Legislative Changes

The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of children in the foster care system. Secretary Laura Howard acknowledges the department’s commitment to providing safety and resources for these children. She also urges the Legislature to change the law to allow for more information to be made public in cases of abuse and neglect.

Types of Deaths and Underlying Factors

Out of the 9,308 youths in foster care in 2023, eleven deaths were reported. Six deaths were listed as unintentional injury, three as natural causes, and two as suicides. The remaining deaths were attributed to fentanyl exposure, a car accident, drowning, and gunshot wounds. Health conditions, such as pneumonia, were listed as contributing factors in some cases.

Addressing Health-related Concerns

Secretary Howard emphasizes that all deaths are thoroughly investigated by the department and the state attorney general through the annual child death review report. If any trends or health-related concerns are identified, the department is committed to addressing them and improving healthcare services for children in their care.

Link between Child Fatalities and DCF’s Child Protective Services

The annual death review report reveals that a significant number of child fatalities had a history with DCF’s child protective services. Factors such as being held in state custody, having siblings removed from the home, or having open child protective services cases were common among these cases. It highlights the need for comprehensive support and stability for children in care.

Importance of Mental Health Support and Prevention

Adina Morse, a child welfare advocate with Kansas Appleseed, emphasizes the importance of providing adequate mental health support and other services for youth in care. She believes that timely access to physical and mental health support, placement stability, and support for biological families can help prevent tragedies within the foster care system.

Calls for Transparency and Legislative Action

DCF has faced criticism and public scrutiny, particularly after the widely publicized case of Zoey Felix, a 5-year-old girl who died of sexual assault. Lawmakers and concerned individuals have pressed for answers regarding agency actions. Secretary Howard has called for legislative changes to allow for the public release of certain information on child fatalities once criminal charges are filed.

Conclusion

The deaths of eleven youths in Kansas’ foster care system highlight the need for accountability, transparency, and improvements within the system. By addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as ensuring good health and well-being (SDG 3) and reducing inequalities (SDG 10), Kansas can work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for children in foster care.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to several SDGs. The high number of deaths in the foster care system and the need for accountability address SDG 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions. The deaths also highlight the need to address poverty (SDG 1), as vulnerable children in the foster care system may face additional challenges due to their socioeconomic status. The article also mentions health-related deaths and the importance of mental health support, which are relevant to SDG 3 on good health and well-being. Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of providing quality education and support for children in care, which aligns with SDG 4 on quality education. Lastly, the article mentions the need to prevent breaking up families and reduce tragedies, which relates to SDG 5 on gender equality and SDG 10 on reduced inequalities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
• Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
• Target 4.2: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education.
• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified. Target 1.3 relates to the need for social protection systems for vulnerable children in the foster care system. Target 3.4 focuses on reducing premature mortality and promoting mental health, which is relevant to addressing the deaths and health-related issues mentioned in the article. Target 4.2 emphasizes the importance of providing quality early childhood development and education for children in care. Target 5.2 highlights the need to eliminate violence against women and girls, including those in the foster care system. Target 10.2 emphasizes the inclusion of all individuals, regardless of their status, which is relevant to addressing inequalities in the foster care system. Lastly, Target 16.6 focuses on developing effective and transparent institutions, which is essential for ensuring accountability in the foster care system.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of the population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims, and the poor and vulnerable.
• Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.
• Indicator 4.2.1: Proportion of children under 5 years of age who are developmentally on track in health, learning, and psychosocial well-being, by sex.
• Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age group.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 16.6.1: Primary government expenditures as a proportion of original approved budget, by sector (or by budget codes or similar), disaggregated by sex, and by economic classification.

The article does not explicitly mention indicators. However, based on the identified targets, the following indicators can be used to measure progress:
– Indicator 1.3.1 can be used to measure the proportion of vulnerable children covered by social protection systems.
– Indicator 3.4.1 can be used to track the mortality rate attributed to non-communicable diseases in the foster care system.
– Indicator 4.2.1 can measure the proportion of children in care who are developmentally on track.
– Indicator 5.2.1 can measure the prevalence of violence against women and girls in the foster care system.
– Indicator 10.2.1 can measure the proportion of children in care living below 50 percent of median income.
– Indicator 16.6.1 can measure the transparency and accountability of government expenditures in the foster care system.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators