Kansas child welfare summit lacked representation but lifted by foster alumni and parents
Kansas child welfare summit lacked representation but lifted by foster alumni and parents The Topeka Capital-Journal
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Is Kansas Child Welfare Ready to Answer the Call for Change?
Introduction
The Kansas Child Welfare Summit, held last month, aimed to work together to create lasting improvement in child welfare. However, as we reflect on the summit, it is crucial to assess whether the Kansas child welfare system is truly ready to answer the call for change.
Issues with Representation
During the summit, it was concerning to note the absence of a Division of the Child Advocate representative, who plays a crucial role in addressing the issues plaguing the child welfare system. Furthermore, a panel focused on effective collaboration lacked representation from Black and Brown professionals, despite the significant disparities experienced by these communities in the child welfare system.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Black or Brown children are identified as a child in need of care (CINC) following contact with the Kansas child welfare system 79% of the time, highlighting the need to address racial disparities.
- The Division of the Child Advocate represents the intersection of issues within the child welfare system and the governing policies and laws. Their absence at the summit raises concerns about accountability and transparency.
Voices of Parents and Former Foster Alumni
The parents and former foster alumni who shared their experiences at the summit were the true stars. Their testimonies shed light on the difficulties they faced within the system, including poor communication and unfulfilled promises. These firsthand accounts emphasize the urgent need for change.
Youth Panel’s Call for Innovation
The youth panel at the summit challenged the audience to empathize by asking them to imagine staying with a stranger for six months. They stressed the importance of intentional representation, diversity, equity, and inclusion in child welfare. They urged the system to embrace innovation and overcome fear.
Identifying the Real Enemies
While it may be tempting to blame the Department for Children and Families (DCF), the true enemies are the systemic racism, unconscious biases, and adultcentrism that perpetuate failures within the child welfare system. These deeply ingrained beliefs must be challenged to bring about meaningful change.
Failure to Meet Standards
The Kansas child welfare system has failed to meet over 50% of the Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) standards, including engagement, stability, and timeliness of permanency. This level of failure would not be tolerated in other sectors, highlighting the urgent need for change.
Call to Action
The call for change is no longer nameless or faceless. It is our responsibility to change the narrative for thousands of children and families. The Kansas child welfare system must answer the door and take action.
About the Authors
Tara Wallace is a clinical social worker with 10 years of experience, CEO of Lighthouse Therapeutic Community Outreach Foundation, and a member of the Strengthen Families, Rebuild Hope Coalition.
Grey Endres has 30 years of social work experience, directs the MSW program at Missouri Western State University, serves as the chief clinical officer at Newhouse KC, and is a member of SFRH.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article discusses issues related to child welfare, systemic racism, biases, and failures in the Kansas child welfare system. These issues are connected to the SDGs mentioned above, which aim to address poverty, ensure quality education, promote gender equality, reduce inequalities, and strengthen institutions for justice and peace.
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 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
- 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 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets mentioned above can be identified. These targets focus on implementing social protection systems, ensuring quality education, eliminating violence against women and girls, promoting inclusion and reducing inequalities, and promoting the rule of law and equal access to justice.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, the article does not provide specific data or statistics to measure progress. Indicators could include:
- Percentage of children and families receiving adequate social protection support
- Educational attainment rates and skills development among children in the child welfare system
- Incidence of violence against women and girls in the child welfare system
- Level of social, economic, and political inclusion of marginalized groups in the child welfare system
- Availability and accessibility of justice and legal services for children and families in the child welfare system
These indicators would help measure progress towards the identified targets by providing data on the effectiveness of social protection systems, education outcomes, violence prevention efforts, inclusion initiatives, and access to justice.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | 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. | Percentage of children and families receiving adequate social protection support |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles. | Educational attainment rates and skills development among children in the child welfare system |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 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. | Incidence of violence against women and girls in the child welfare system |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 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. | Level of social, economic, and political inclusion of marginalized groups in the child welfare system |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. | Availability and accessibility of justice and legal services for children and families in the child welfare system |
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Fuente: cjonline.com
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