13 February 2024
TOPEKA (KSNT) – The death of 5-year-old Zoey Felix has prompted a push to change reporting policies for the state Department of Children and Families. Kansas lawmakers are taking up a bill that was introduced by the agency. Department heads say it would help them release information to the public sooner.
“Transparency and accountability… I think they’re essential always in government, but I think they’re especially essential to the work that goes on in the child welfare system,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “Government functions better when it’s out in the open and can be held accountable by the public.”
Howard spoke in a House Committed on Child Welfare and Foster Care hearing for House Bill 2628 on Monday. The bill would require DCF to release certain information related to a child fatality when criminal charges are filed.
DCF received pushback, after waiting to release information in Felix’s case last year. According to the agency, current state law requires a “finding of abuse or neglect” before a summary report can be released. Howard said this could take a while, especially when there’s an ongoing investigation.
“There can be delays in our ability as an agency to make that finding. That most commonly happens when there’s a law enforcement investigation is going on. So, we’ve stepped back or they’ve asked us to step back, so they can do the investigation,” Howard explained.
The bill, if passed, could allow the agency to release their report sooner, after a Kansas Open Records Act request.
The Topeka Police Department determined through its investigation that Felix was raped and murdered. The 5-year-old’s body was found near a campsite where she was staying with her father. A 25-year-old homeless man was charged with capital murder in her death.
The killing sparked many questions from Zoey’s former neighbors and community members. However, DCF’s summary report was released about two weeks later.
“Child fatalities are serious, serious incidents that we all must grapple with… communities grapple with the impact of that. And, I think it’s important that there be access to appropriate information really as a matter of public trust,” Howard said.
The bill is currently in the House Committed on Child Welfare and Foster Care. Committee members will have to work the bill before deciding whether to send it to the floor.