Official defends Kansas Department for Children, Families

Topeka, Kan. (AP) — The head of the Kansas Department for Children and Families on Tuesday defended the agency's efforts to ensure the safety of children in the foster care system.

Phyllis Gilmore, the secretary of the agency, told the House Committee on Children & Seniors that the state's foster care system is one of the safest in the nation. Her appearance before the committee came less than a week after another committee approved an audit of the agency, The Wichita Eagle reported.

Five children in the foster care system died during the 2015 fiscal year, which ended in June; only one death was attributed to maltreatment, according to a November report. Other reasons for fatalities included illness and car accidents.

One child died because of maltreatment in foster care in the 2014 fiscal year, while another child in the DCF system died that year because of maltreatment while in a family member's care. Five children in DCF's system died in total that year.

"Children die, but they are not in our custody," Gilmore said.

Gilmore also called recent allegations that the agency has discriminated against same-sex couples in foster care and adoption cases a distraction. A question about whether the agency discriminated against same-sex couples was dropped from the audit approved by lawmakers. The audit will focus on safety and privatization.

Gilmore said the discrimination question was "unbelievably accusatory."

Information from: The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle, Wichita, KS.

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The Gayly – January 20, 2016 @ 8 a.m.