Topeka, Kan. — The Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services is about to enter a lease agreement with Kaw Valley Center, Inc., of Kansas City, Kansas, for space on the campus of Osawatomie State Hospital for a group home for children in need of care.

According to SRS Secretary Rochelle Chronister, "The demand right now for group home beds for out–of–home placements ordered by the courts is very high. Kaw Valley Center has some very good facilities, but they're stretched beyond capacity. This temporary arrangement," she said, "will allow Kaw Valley to concentrate on case plans and services for children in SRS custody, until the demand for group home beds lessens."

Kaw Valley will be leasing space in the Adair Complex for about 37 children, and will provide all the staff necessary to run the home, including internal security. The home will be licensed by the Kansas Department of Housing and Environment. SRS will lease the space to Kaw Valley at cost, including fair share computations for utilities, maintenance, food and laundry. This unit in the Adair Complex housed state hospital residents until about two weeks ago.

"This is not the first time SRS has shared facilities on the campus of one of our state hospitals," Mrs. Chronister said. "Nor will it be the last. We have provided space in the past to Corrections, Agriculture, Capital Cities High School, and of course, to other SRS organizations. We don't see this as a long term arrangement," she concluded, "but rather as one where we can help alleviate a temporary overcrowding situation."

SRS officials anticipate it will take several days to work out the lease arrangements; Kaw Valley will then have the unit licensed as a group home.

Page Last Updated: May 29, 2001