The Kansas Legislature has made provisions for the Kansas Department of Corrections - Community Based Services (KDOC-CBS) and DCF to share information when appropriate. The revised Kansas Code for Care of Children - K.S.A. 38-2210 states:
To facilitate investigation and ensure the provision of necessary services to children who may be in need of care and such children's families, the following persons and entities with responsibilities concerning a child who is alleged or adjudicated to be in need of care shall freely exchange information. This includes the Secretary of KDOC-CBS.
A. DCF Responsibilities:
1. Investigation of Abuse/Neglect:
Conduct investigations and make findings on alleged abuse and neglect of adjudicated youth. Upon a substantiated finding of abuse or neglect, DCF will notify the county or district attorney and the Secretary of KDOC-CBS.
2. Non-Abuse/Neglect Reports:
DCF shall make a referral to the Secretary of KDOC-CBS when a report is received that an adjudicated youth is alleged to be a child in need of care for reasons other than abuse or neglect. DCF shall take no further action. See MOA with KDOC-CBS at Appendix 0001.
3. Interstate Compact Cooperation:
DCF administers the Interstate Compact of the Placement of Children (ICPC) and shall cooperate with KDOC-CBS to assist in the interstate placement of youth who are referred to Kansas or from Kansas to another state for placement in a licensed residential treatment facility. Placement referrals will be made without regard to adjudication.
4. Medicaid Eligibility Determination:
Juvenile offender services are provided under the auspices of the KDOC-CBS. DCF determines eligibility for Medicaid for youth placed in KDOC-CBS custody. Youth in KDOC-CBS custody who are removed from their homes but are not incarcerated, remain part of the overall Kansas foster care population.
B. KDOC-CBS Responsibilities:
1. Notify DCF for eligibility determination or redetermination whenever a youth: enters the custody of the Secretary KDOC-CBS for an out of home placement; obtains a juvenile offender adjudication; has changes affecting Title IV-E or Title XIX Medicaid eligibility; or is discharged from KDOC-CBS custody.
Please reference sections 5940, 5941, 5943, and 5944 of the PPS Policy and Procedure Manual for details.
2. Providing Data to DCF:
KDOC-CBS shall provide DCF with data regarding juvenile offenders which is deemed necessary for DCF to maintain updated information in the DCF information system.