SRS offers a variety of services to children and families that are provided in local SRS Service Centers across the state or through community-based service providers. SRS Social Workers also investigate allegations of abuse and neglect, assess family strengths and needs, and provide or arrange for delivery of services to support the family's ability to safely care for their children.
Child Protective Services
When a report of abuse or neglect is made to SRS, it is assessed by a Social Worker to determine if SRS should become involved. If the report meets the criteria for SRS involvement, it is investigated by an SRS Social Worker or special investigator. Law enforcement may also investigate concerns if a report is made directly to them, an SRS social worker is not available or a joint investigation is warranted. If it is determined that the child's safety is at risk, a recommendation is made to the court to temporarily place the child in foster care. The court is ultimately responsible for the decision to remove the child from the home.
A SUCCESS STORY
Child Protective Services was contacted about a family of five in a small town in Southeast Kansas. The family had a history with local law enforcement and the children were at risk of being placed in SRS custody. There were further concerns about the condition and safety of the home. SRS social workers offered family preservation services to the family. Once the family engaged in the services provided they showed great progress. Eventually, the parents began making healthy decisions for the family and the condition of the home improved. Contact with law enforcement ceased and the children were no longer at risk. The family was preserved.
Child Protective Services (CPS) may also receive reports of non-abuse or neglect situations, such as an out-of-control child, truancy, overwhelmed parents, or runaways. Assessment of these reports and family situations often result in the families receiving an array of services such as family services, family preservation, or other community-based alternatives. A recommendation may also be made to the court to temporarily remove the children from the home.
Services to Preserve Families
SRS offers a variety of programs to support families and reduce the number of children placed in the custody of SRS. Through these programs, SRS funds efforts to assist families through the Community Service Initiative, directly purchase services for families with Family Services funding, and contracts for intensive short-term interventions provided under Family Preservation contracts. Although these programs vary in intensity, all are directed at providing families with the supports necessary to maintain their children in the home. Services are tailored to meet the needs of each family and can include teaching parents appropriate expectations, dealing with family conflict, managing anger, and establishing family rules, roles, and responsibilities. Services are also provided to families who have children with behavioral problems, mental illness, and developmental disabilities.
| Services to Preserve Families | |
| Total Families Served | 6,551 |
| Annual Expenditures-SFY 2006 | $14,236,992 |
| State General Funds | $5,092 |
| Children's Initiative Funds | $5,710,141 |
| Fee Funds | $33,823 |
"What is the definition of child abuse and/or neglect and now do I report it?"
Child abuse/neglect is a physical injury, physical neglect, emotional injury, or sexual act inflicted upon a child. Several factors, including a child's behavior, may indicate the occurrence of child abuse. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, please contact your local Regional SRS Service Center, local law enforcement, or the Kansas Protection Report Center at 800-922-5330
"I have called to report child abuse and neglect. Why is nothing being done?"
Personal information regarding an abuse investigation is confidential. However: