Kansas foster children’s voices muted as court advocates take on hundreds of cases each

Kansas foster children’s voices muted as court advocates take on hundreds of cases each

Kerrie Lonard, the child advocate for the state of Kansas appears at a hearing on Jan. 24, 2024 in Topeka. She testified in January 2026 to the dire problems within Kansas' guardian ad litem system, where children in foster care often have no say in court. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)TOPEKA — Kansas foster children rarely interact with their court-appointed advocates, and their voices have become muted, a statewide report said. Chie…

Report flags crisis in Kansas child advocacy - The Iola Register

Kansas foster children are being shortchanged by an overburdened court-appointed advocate system that leaves many with little contact, according to a new statewide report. TOPEKA — Kansas foster children rarely interact with their court-appointed advocates, and their voices have become muted, a statewide report said. Chief Judge Amy Harth of the state’s sixth judicial district said the challenges facing Kansas children’s court-appointed advocate…