TOPEKA ( KSNT ) – The death of 5-year-old Zoey Felix has prompted a push to change reporting policies for the state Department of Children and Families. Kansas lawmakers are taking up a bill that was introduced by the agency. Department heads say it would help them release information to the public sooner.
“Transparency and accountability… I think they’re essential always in government, but I think they’re especially essential to the work that goes on in the child welfare system,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “Government functions better when it’s out in the open and can be held accountable by the public.”
Howard spoke in a House Committed on Child Welfare and Foster Care hearing for House Bill 2628 on Monday. The bill would require DCF to release certain information related to a child fatality when criminal charges are filed.
DCF received pushback, after waiting to release information in Felix’s case last year. According to the agency, current state law requires a “finding of abuse or neglect” before a summary report can be released. Howard said this could take a while, especially when there’s an ongoing investigation.