Nearly 11 children lost their lives while under the care of the Kansas foster care system in 2023, out of a total of approximately 10,000 children. This unfortunate statistic has not entirely surprised some foster parents.
According to foster parents and advocates, the constant upheaval and trauma that foster children experience can significantly impact their physical and mental well-being.
Out of the 11 children who were under foster care custody and passed away, one was a 21-year-old with a pre-existing health condition. There were two teenagers who died by suicide, and another teenager who lost their life due to a shooting incident. Four other children succumbed to health issues, while one baby tragically died from exposure to fentanyl. Additionally, one child drowned, and another met with a fatal car accident.
Access to health services could be a crucial factor in preventing future deaths, according to both foster parents and advocates.
Over the course of four years, Derek Davenport, a former foster parent, along with his husband, opened their hearts and home to over 40 children, ultimately adopting five of them.
Davenport stated that, based on their experience, most foster children tend to have some form of mental health issue as a result of the trauma they have endured.
Monique Lovelady, who works at a placement agency for foster children, is well-acquainted with the challenges associated with accessing mental health help.
“I believe that the agencies should make a stronger effort to advocate for government assistance in covering the necessary medical and mental healthcare for these children,” expressed Lovelady, who serves as the Community Outreach Specialist for Restoration Family Services.
According to Lovelady, many people only receive the bare minimum when it comes to mental health care, such as therapy and medication. However, there are often additional needs that go unaddressed.
Advocates and foster parents have acknowledged the issue of having to wait to find support for those needs.
Mike Fonkert, deputy director of Kansas Appleseed, expressed concern about the abundance of waitlists for essential services in the state.
Davenport expressed the challenges faced when dealing with a child in need of extensive psychiatric care. The waitlists for such care can be quite long, often stretching for months.
Parents and advocates are actively advocating for increased resources for health services, recognizing the significant impact it can have on saving lives.
