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Minutes for SB12 - Committee on Public Health and Welfare

Short Title

Requiring the Kansas department for children and families to implement performance-based contracts.

Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 3, 2021

Chairperson Hilderbrand opened the hearing on SB12.

Jenna Moyer, Staff Revisor gave an overview of SB12. (Attachment 1)

Senator Faust-Goudeau presented her proponent testimony stating that SB12 is modeled after legislation that passed in Washington State , in which Department of Children and Families (DCF) enforces performance-based contracts for adoption and foster care services. SB 12 provides an insurance mechanism for the State in two ways: Kansas kids in need are getting the care they need and deserve, and the state of Kansas will be able to hold providers accountable for their work. (Attachment 2)

She took questions from committee members.

Nina Shaw-Woody gave her proponent testimony stating that she supports SB12 for two reasons, first transparency and trust and second our Kansas families.To effectively bring about the change our Kansas families need, Kansas legislators need to know and understand what is working and what is not and then produce legislation that will allow DCF the freedom to do what they need to do in order to make concrete differences in the lives of Kansans.    (Attachment 3)

Questions were asked by committee members.

Mike Fonkert testified as a proponent. He said that the foster care system in Kansas is in crisis and that creating performance-based contracts for evidence-based prevention and early intervention is an important step in ensuring a foster care system that is effective and accountable. (Attachment 4)

Tanya Keys gave her neutral testimony stating that DCF currently includes performance outcomes in its contracts and engages in robust collaboration with stakeholders and community partners. If SB12 is passed it would require DCF agreements related to certain child welfare services be contracts, meaning the Department of Administration would be involved in the procurement process moving forward.(Attachment 5)

Questions were asked by committee members.

Chairperson Hilderbrand closed the hearing on SB12 and adjourned the meeting at 9:20 a.m. The next scheduled meeting is February 4, 2021.