GOP legislators block audit of Kansas foster care system

TOPEKA – Republican legislators have blocked a state audit of the Kansas foster care system even though several of them acknowledged they have concerns about how it operates.

A legislative committee that directs the work of state auditors voted 5-4 Wednesday against initiating a review of the foster care system sought by two Democrats. The no votes came from Republicans who noted that other reviews of the system already are planned.

Democratic Reps. Ed Trimmer of Winfield and Jim Ward of Wichita wanted auditors to examine whether the Department for Children and Families is adequately protecting foster children and whether its contractors can provide adequate services.

But the department has started its own review of foster care policies and legislative leaders have appointed a special committee to review foster care issues.

This story was originally published July 29, 2015 at 12:19 PM with the headline "GOP legislators block audit of Kansas foster care system."