2
Tuesday, January 11, 1994
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Welfare officials cling to hope amid scrutiny
By David Stewart Kansan staff writer
Editor's note: A series of articles published in the University Daily Kansan last May discussed problems in the Douglas County unit of Social and Rehabilitative Services.
The Kansan also outlined how the growing needs of SRS clients for social services had outpaced the department's budget, which is the second largest expense to the state behind education.
This article looks at the some of the changes since then: increased staff levels, a greater awareness of SRS problems in the legislature and the possibility of future budget cuts in the program.
The name of the child, "Bobby," has been changed.
Against a world of broken homes and families torn apart, Marge Kellner and her husband, Dennis, have fought quietly to make a difference.
Having taken more than 50 foster children into their home during the past five years, the Kellners have worked on the front lines for SRS.
With the return of their foster son Bobby from treatment for emotional adjustment problems at the Marillac Center in Kansas City, Kan., and the adoption of a 2 1/2-year-old daughter in September, the Kellners have helped to write two happy endings for the state's social welfare programs.
"You just wish you could more to help the kids," Marge Kellner said.
"We love them dearly. They're our lives. We want the very best for them that the taxpayers' money could give."
The cost of caring
Supporters of SRS said that while the duties of the department varied, all services of the department had one need in common: money.
But success stories like the Kellners' have relied upon a system that has come under increased scrutiny by politicians and the public for its high cost and sometimes unclear results.
Beyond taking on more clients, SRS has come under increased pressure from some state representatives who had eyed this year's allocation of $1.2 billion to SRS as a prime target for budget cuts.
Since the articles ran in the Kansan seven months ago, the agencies and budgets of SRS have received increased attention, especially after the settlement of a lawsuit against SRS last July, said Chris Petr, assistant professor of social welfare. He said the lawsuit came from allegations that children in Kansas' foster care system had not received the proper attention. Details of the settlement were not available.
"The settlement will improve the system, which had been improving anyway," Petr said. "SRS should be commended for making some serious attempts to improve areas of care."
Source: Department of Social and Rehabilitative Services
Matt Hood/KANBAN
Robert Byers, supervisor of the Douglas County SRS agency overseeing child protection, family services and family support, said he received an increase in funds last summer for staffing.
need and the cry that we don't have the staff to do all this," Byers said. "But it is enough staff?" No."
"I think the legislature heard the
Others have noticed the effects of increased staff levels along with a more concerned legislature.
Among them is Tom McDonald, associate professor of social welfare and local director of Kids Count, a collection of indicators on child welfare nationwide. McDonald said he
thought the Kids Count report he helped generate had a significant impact on the legislature.
In order to better serve Kansas residents using SRS, politicians such as state Sen. Sandy Praeger, R-Lawrence, want to refocus the energies of SRS to curtail the need for social services.
keeping them in the home when possible." Praecer said.
State Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, said budget decisions affecting SRS tended to receive heavy criticism, especially from SRS clients.
"I'd like to redirect our SRS programs from institutionalizing kids to
"You have to cut someplace," Ballard said. "Whenever you have limited revenue and you have so many requests and only so much money, not all those requests could be made."
Advertise in The Daily Kansan for Quick Results
If You Want To Read On, RECYCLE! So We'll Have Something To Print On. THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Natural Fiber Clothing & Body Care
820-822 Mass. St., Lawrence, Kansas 66044
(913) 841-0100
--presents
NATURAL WAY
32 Toppings to choose from!!! Rudy Tuesday
2 Pizzas
EAT MORE TACOS. FINALLY A RESOLUTION YOU ACTUALLY WANT TO KEEP.
2 toppings
BENCHWARMERS
NEW
New Attitude
New Management New Staff
New Drink Specials 21 New Imports.
2 New Pinball Machines
1601 W.23rd St.
841-9111
--presents
THE VHARBOURLIGHTS
Home of the original 32 on Jam Jar
Monday...$1.00 Draws and $1.25 Premium Draws
Tuesday...$2.50 Premium Jam Jars
Wednesday...$1.50 Wells LIVE MUSIC ALL NIGHT
Thursday...$1.50 Jam Jars
Friday...$1.50 Miller Highlife Bottles
Saturday...$2.75 Big Import Bottles
Sunday~...$1.75 Margaritas and Bloody Marys
Open 7 days a week noon until 2am
1031 Massachusetts
100% Pure Kansas Beef served with ketchup, mustard, pickles and onions. For just a little more,
top off with cheese and bacon. Offer good for a limited time.
Vista DRIVE IN
1527 W. 6th
Jayhawk Bookstore
"Your Book Professionals"
"At the top of Nalsmith Hill"
Hrs. 8-7 M-Th., 8-5 Fri., 9-5 Sat, 12-4 Bun. 843-3826
SERENGETI. DRIVERS
Jayhawk Bookstore
928 Mass. Downtown Park in the rear
University Forum
Sexuality in the People's Republic of China Dr. Dennis Daily, Professor of Social Welfare at KU,will share his understanding of sexuality within the Chinese culture. In 1993, Daily traveled to China as a member of the first delegation of sexologists from outside the country to visit. He participated in the national conference on sexology in Chengdu.
Wednesday, January 12, 12:00-1:00*
*optional soup/salad served 11:30-12:00 for $3.50
reservations by 2 pm on Jan 11, call 843-4933.
University forum sponsor: Presbyterian Church (USA), United Church of Christ, Church of the Brethren denominations, and First Presbyterian, West Side Presbyterian, Lone Star Church of the Brethren, and Plymouth Congregational church congregations in Lawrence, Kansas.
Upcoming University Forum Topics
Jan 19: Juvenile Crime and Gangs, Judge Jean Shepherd
Jan 24: Religion Is More Than Being "Religious.", Father Vince Kirsche
Feb 2: What Are Implications for the Community of Learning in a Context of Cheating?
Dr. Robert Shelton
Feb 9. "We Will Build Great Ships..." (Elements for successful 21st Century communities.) RoderickBremby
.