Evaluation of Kansas' Foster Care Privatization Efforts
In January 1996, the State of Kansas privatized the family preservation, foster care, and adoption components of its child welfare system. Previously, all three of these services had been provided directly by public agency workers or through fee-for-service contracts on a case-by-case basis. During the initial stage of privatization, a capitated payment rate was established for each of these three service areas. Subsequently, Kansas transitioned to a standardized monthly payment system for each child referred for foster care or adoption. Between 1998 and 2002, JBA conducted several related evaluation projects for the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) to determine the State's success in improving performance in key child welfare outcomes as a result of privatization. Critical outcomes of interest included reduced entries into foster care, prevention of re-allegations of abuse and neglect, and increased adoption rates.