Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said the Department for Children and Families had fewer than 3,000 children entering foster care during fiscal year 2023.  That’s the lowest number since 2006.

The governor said this shows that progress has been made in repairing the state’s child welfare system and keeping families together, but there is still more work to do.  She said she will continue to work with the Kansas Legislature to provide greater health, educational and housing resources for families in need.

DCF’s data shows that since 2019, there has been a 28% drop in youth entering foster care. This is largely due to a number of programs and services, including programs under the Family First Prevention Services Act, which connects families to evidence-based community programs.

The governor also gives credit to the Family Crisis Response Helpline to help families and caregivers with children who are having emotional crises or behavioral health issues.