The new online dashboard for Kansas Department of Children and Families.
In May, Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) announced the roll out of a new online, interactive dashboard that highlights the reforms and changes taking place in the state’s child welfare system.
Since taking the helm as governor earlier this year, Jeff Colyer (R) has prioritized reforming a troubled child welfare system. Recently appointed DCF Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel has undertaken an overhaul of the state’s system and implemented more transparency of the department, including this recent dashboard roll out.
“Secretary Meier-Hummel has made it a priority to conduct reviews of agency systems, processes and procedures to make significant improvements and reforms to how we serve the children and families of Kansas,” said Taylor Forrest, director of communications at DCF. “This dashboard creates further transparency and accountability, and will help track the progress of agency reforms and initiatives. This is just another step in the right direction.”
The dashboard was created internally by the department and the system is updated the last Friday of every month by regional staff and the communications department, letting the public know the progress of reforms and other initiatives underway at DCF.
Included are metrics in five areas of the agency: Economic and Employment Services, Child Support Services, Rehabilitation Services, Prevention and Protection Services, DCF Regions. As the goals are met, other goals and reforms will be added.
“Our agency exists to serve Kansans, and we want to clearly demonstrate to the public the work being done,” said Secretary Meier-Hummel in a press release. “This is just another step we are taking to be more transparent and accountable to the public.”
