January 7, 2002 - Jacobson named Acting Assistant Secretary of Children and Family Policy Division at SRS

Topeka—Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) Secretary Janet Schalansky announced today that Marilyn Jacobson has been appointed acting assistant secretary of the Children and Family Policy Division at SRS effective immediately.

Jacobson has worked for the department for 9 years in various management positions in areas of child welfare, and grants and contracts. She most recently served as special assistant to the deputy secretary of the Integrated Service Delivery Division and as acting director of the Overland Park Area SRS office. She has served as an attorney and a social service chief at the Topeka Area SRS office. Prior to her career at SRS, Jacobson worked as an attorney in the private sector and served in the United States Army for 10 years. While in the military, Jacobson specialized in human services.

"We are pleased that Marilyn has agreed to assume this challenging role at SRS. I am confident that Marilyn will work diligently on behalf of Kansas children to promote child safety and well-being." said SRS Secretary Janet Schalansky.

In her new role, Jacobson's primary responsibility will be to protect children; promote permanent nurturing families; and strengthen community partnerships to serve children. She will also manage the public-private partnership that exists between SRS and private contractors hired by the state to provide child welfare services such as adoption, foster care, and family preservation. She also assumes responsibility for purchasing and overseeing child care services.