Foster Care Bill of Rights
Our Bill of Rights provides children with enforceable legal protections while they are in the state’s care. These protections ensure that children have the right to stay with their siblings, making joint placement the legal default to preserve their most vital family bonds.
Every child also has the legal right to live in a home free from abuse. We enforce this by mandating independent investigation pathways for every report of mistreatment, ensuring that agency secrecy cannot hide a child’s safety concerns. Children also have the right to know why they were removed and what the state’s plan is for their future. We require caseworkers to explain these plans in age-appropriate language and keep children informed of every court date and major decision affecting their lives
March 2, 2024Events & TestimonyThe Department of Child Safety Sunset Review hearings to review the purpose and functions of the department to determine whether continuation, revision, consolidation or termination is warranted. Preview: My name is Kendall Seal. [...]
February 29, 2024Model ReformsAt the Center for the Rights of Abused Children, we protect the rights of children who are victims of abuse and neglect, and we work to ensure every child has a safe and [...]
February 8, 2024Events & TestimonyLegal Representation for Children in Foster Care Requiring the appointment of a client-directed attorney to represent children in abuse and neglect proceedings, giving children a voice. Written Testimony - Kendall Seal, Vice President [...]
January 24, 2024Events & TestimonySOUL Family Legal Permanency Option In-Person Testimony - John Monroe, Catalyst on behalf of the Center for the Rights of Abused Children House Committee on Child Welfare and Foster Care Introduction Chair Concannon, [...]
October 4, 2023Events & TestimonyAppointing a guardian ad litem (GAL) in cases involving abused children results in confusion. This confusion stems from the unclear and potentially conflicting ethical obligations of the GAL to the court and the [...]
May 3, 2023News & Press ReleaseSB 1186 will enhance the rights of children in foster care, foster parents, kinship placements, and biological parents by making those rights enforceable.
May 2, 2023Events & Testimony, Model ReformsDear Members of the Interim Study Committee on Courts and the Judiciary: As you consider improving permanency outcomes for children in foster care, the Center for the Rights of Abused Children (Center) invites [...]
April 25, 2023News & Press ReleaseKansas Governor Laura Kelly signed House Bill 2024 extending basic rights to over 6,000 abused and neglected children living in foster care.
March 2, 2023Model Reforms, Research & ReportsThe Problem Federal law mandates states provide children a representative to 1. obtain a clear understanding of the situation and needs of the child, and 2. make recommendations to the court concerning the [...]