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Minutes for HB2019 - Committee on Children and Seniors
Short Title
Establishing the foster care oversight task force.
Minutes Content for Tue, Mar 14, 2017
The Chair welcomed members and guests and opened the hearing on HB 2019. Revisor Kyle Hamilton explained that the purpose of the bill is to establish a task force to acquire information on foster care programs. He said the bill would establish the membership roster and determine the term length for each member. The first chairperson is to be appointed by the Speaker of the House by August 1, 2017; one requirement is to meet at least six times per year on call of the chairperson. Mr. Hamilton noted that the task force is required to submit a written report of findings and recommendations at the beginning of each legislative session (Attachment 1).
Kathy Armstrong, Assistant General Counsel for Prevention and Protection Services, Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), presented neutral testimony regarding HB 2019. She indicated that there are many oversight structures already in place, which include a five-year state plan entitled the Child Family and Services Plan (CFSP), an audit by Social Security under the Title IV-B programs and reviews by Legislative Post Audit. Ms. Armstrong noted that DCF participates in various work groups such as Human Trafficking Advisory Board, Juvenile Justice Oversight and the Judicial Council Adoption Advisory Committee. She expressed appreciation for members of the legislature who participate in the research and discussions. She concluded her remarks, stating that the various agencies need to work together to eliminate duplication (Attachment 2).
The Chair closed the hearing on HB 2019.
