Child Advocate reports 60% rise in complaints, urges changes to foster-care oversight

At a Public Health and Welfare committee briefing, Carrie Leonard of the Office of Child Advocates told legislators the office received 377 formal complaints in 2025 involving 491 children, a roughly 60% increase from 2024. Leonard said the rise likely reflects both increased public awareness of the office and ongoing concerns about the child-welfare system.

Leonard summarized the office’s mission and scope, saying OCA acts as a neutral, independent agency to ensure Kansas children and families receive coordinated services for safety and well-being. She said anyone may file a complaint, but that statute requires complainant identities be kept confidential unless disclosure is necessary for an investigation. She outlined the office’s triage approach — referrals/information, short-term assistance, or full investigations — and said the office issues supported or unsupported findings and makes recommendations ranging from…