Legislative group delays authorizing DCF audit

Members of a legislative committee delayed approval of an audit of Department of Children and Families, which has been accused of discriminating against same-sex couples in foster care and adoptions.

Instead, the Legislative Post Audit Committee on Thursday decided to appoint a subcommittee to develop a comprehensive proposal for the audit.

The subcommittee’s audit proposal is expected to ready for consideration during the post audit committee’s meeting in January.

Rep. Jim Ward, a Democrat from Wichita, had asked for the audit. He contends the agency has discriminated against same-sex couples.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports (http://bit.ly/1U9ovWq) Ward’s request focused on potential discrimination but some committee members supported a wider examination. They noted concern about the state’s privatized child support system and regulations concerning the safety of foster care children.


Information from: The Topeka (Kan.) Capital-Journal, http://www.cjonline.com.