Changes being initiated in Kansas concerning the way services are provided to children and families have drawn the interest of lawmakers in Washington D.C.

Teresa Markowitz, commissioner of Children and Family Services for the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, is appearing today before a subcommittee of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.

Markowitz was asked to appear before the subcommittee to talk about the major changes that have been taking place as children and family services previously provided by the state are privatized. She will also tell federal lawmakers of the Kansas push toward outcome measures to determine the effectiveness of programs serving children and families.

Markowitz will tell lawmakers about a vision developed in Kansas to improve services for families and children. "It's a very exciting time for Kansas children as we move toward permanency for children. We are committed to the belief 'there's no place like home,'" she said.

In recent months, SRS has privatized three children and family programs, Family Preservation, Adoption, and Foster Care. With these initiatives, the state has created a partnership with not-for-profit child placing agencies and mental health centers aimed at improving outcomes for Kansas children and families.

With privatization of these services, SRS, as the child welfare agency in Kansas, will be able to concentrate on the important jobs of intake and assessment and case management. Intake and assessment involves a first response to a report involving troubled families and children and a determination of the type of services that may be needed. This is expected to help the state improve child protective services, increase confirmation of abuse and neglect, and increase convictions for child abuse and neglect.

Case management involves following the progress of a child and family through the system to make sure they get the help they need.

Numerous other states have expressed interest in the new system being initiated in Kansas. Markowitz's appearance before federal lawmakers is expected to help answer questions about the changes being generated nationwide.

Markowitz's appearance before the House Ways and Means subcommittee was scheduled for 11 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Page Last Updated: May 29, 2001