(a) Proceedings pursuant to this code shall be civil in nature and all proceedings, orders, judgments and decrees shall be deemed to be pursuant to the parental power of the state.
(b) The code shall be liberally construed to carry out the policies of the state which are to:
(1) Consider the safety and welfare of a child to be paramount in all proceedings under the code;
(2) provide that each child who comes within the provisions of the code shall receive the care, custody, guidance control and discipline that will best serve the child's welfare and the interests of the state, preferably in the child's home and recognizing that the child's relationship with such child's family is important to the child's well being;
(3) make the ongoing physical, mental and emotional needs of the child decisive considerations in proceedings under this code;
(4) acknowledge that the time perception of a child differs from that of an adult and to dispose of all proceedings under this code without unnecessary delay;
(5) encourage the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect;
(6) investigate reports of suspected child abuse and neglect thoroughly and promptly;
(7) provide for the protection of children who have been subject to physical, mental or emotional abuse or neglect or sexual abuse;
(8) provide preventative and rehabilitative services, when appropriate, to abused and neglected children and their families so, if possible, the families can remain together without further threat to the children;
(9) provide stability in the life of a child who must be removed from the home of a parent; and
(10) place children in permanent family settings, in absence of compelling reasons to the contrary.
(c) Nothing in this code shall be construed to permit discrimination on the basis of disability.
(1) The disability of a parent shall not constitute a basis for a determination that a child is a child in need of care, for the removal of custody of a child from the parent, or for the termination of parental rights without a specific showing that there is a causal relation between the disability and harm to the child.
(2) In cases involving a parent with a disability, determinations made under this code shall consider the availability and use of accommodations for the disability, including adaptive equipment and support services.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 1; Jan. 1, 2007.
(a) "Abandon" or "abandonment" means to forsake, desert or, without making appropriate provision for substitute care, cease providing care for the child.
(b) "Adult correction facility" means any public or private facility, secure or nonsecure, which is used for the lawful custody of accused or convicted adult criminal offenders.
(c) "Aggravated circumstances" means the abandonment, torture, chronic abuse, sexual abuse or chronic, life threatening neglect of a child.
(d) "Child in need of care" means a person less than 18 years of age at the time of filing of the petition or issuance of an ex parte protective custody order pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2242, and amendments thereto, who:
(1) Is without adequate parental care, control or subsistence and the condition is not due solely to the lack of financial means of the child's parents or other custodian;
(2) is without the care or control necessary for the child's physical, mental or emotional health;
(3) has been physically, mentally or emotionally abused or neglected or sexually abused;
(4) has been placed for care or adoption in violation of law;
(5) has been abandoned or does not have a known living parent;
(6) is not attending school as required by K.S.A. 72-977 or 72-1111, and amendments thereto;
(7) except in the case of a violation of K.S.A. 21-4204a, 41-727, subsection (j) of K.S.A. 74-8810 or subsection (m) or (n) of K.S.A. 79-3321, and amendments thereto, or, except as provided in paragraph (12), does an act which, when committed by a person under 18 years of age, is prohibited by state law, city ordinance or county resolution but which is not prohibited when done by an adult;
(8) while less than 10 years of age, commits any act which if done by an adult would constitute the commission of a felony or misdemeanor as defined by K.S.A. 21-3105, and amendments thereto;
(9) is willfully and voluntarily absent from the child's home without the consent of the child's parent or other custodian;
(10) is willfully and voluntarily absent at least a second time from a court ordered or designated placement, or a placement pursuant to court order, if the absence is without the consent of the person with whom the child is placed or, if the child is placed in a facility, without the consent of the person in charge of such facility or such person's designee;
(11) has been residing in the same residence with a sibling or another person under 18 years of age, who has been physically, mentally or emotionally abused or neglected, or sexually abused;
(12) while less than 10 years of age commits the offense defined in K.S.A. 21-4204a, and amendments thereto; or
(13) has had a permanent custodian appointed and the permanent custodian is no longer able or willing to serve.
(e) "Citizen review board" is a group of community volunteers appointed by the court and whose duties are prescribed by K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2207 and 38-2208, and amendments thereto.
(f) "Court-appointed special advocate" means a responsible adult other than an attorney guardian ad litem who is appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a child, as provided in K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2206, and amendments thereto, in a proceeding pursuant to this code.
(g) "Custody" whether temporary, protective or legal, means the status created by court order or statute which vests in a custodian, whether an individual or an agency, the right to physical possession of the child and the right to determine placement of the child, subject to restrictions placed by the court.
(h) "Extended out of home placement" means a child has been in the custody of the secretary and placed with neither parent for 15 of the most recent 22 months beginning 60 days after the date at which a child in the custody of the secretary was removed from the home.
(i) "Educational institution" means all schools at the elementary and secondary levels.
(j) "Educator" means any administrator, teacher or other professional or paraprofessional employee of an educational institution who has exposure to a pupil specified in subsection (a) of K.S.A. 72-89b03, and amendments thereto.
(k) "Harm" means physical or psychological injury or damage.
(l) "Interested party" means the grandparent of the child, a person with whom the child has been living for a significant period of time when the child in need of care petition is filed, and any person made an interested party by the court pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2241, and amendments thereto or Indian tribe seeking to intervene that is not a party.
(m) "Jail" means:
(1) An adult jail or lockup; or
(2) a facility in the same building or on the same grounds as an adult jail or lockup, unless the facility meets all applicable standards and licensure requirements under law and there is: (A) Total separation of the juvenile and adult facility spatial areas such that there could be no haphazard or accidental contact between juvenile and adult residents in the respective facilities; (B) total separation in all juvenile and adult program activities within the facilities, including recreation, education, counseling, health care, dining, sleeping and general living activities; and (C) separate juvenile and adult staff, including management, security staff and direct care staff such as recreational, educational and counseling.
(n) "Juvenile detention facility" means any secure public or private facility used for the lawful custody of accused or adjudicated juvenile offenders which must not be a jail.
(o) "Juvenile intake and assessment worker" means a responsible adult authorized to perform intake and assessment services as part of the intake and assessment system established pursuant to K.S.A. 75-7023, and amendments thereto.
(p) "Kinship care" means the placement of a child in the home of the child's relative or in the home of another adult with whom the child or the child's parent already has a close emotional attachment.
(q) "Law enforcement officer" means any person who by virtue of office or public employment is vested by law with a duty to maintain public order or to make arrests for crimes, whether that duty extends to all crimes or is limited to specific crimes.
(r) "Multidisciplinary team" means a group of persons, appointed by the court under K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2228, and amendments thereto, which has knowledge of the circumstances of a child in need of care.
(s) "Neglect" means acts or omissions by a parent, guardian or person responsible for the care of a child resulting in harm to a child, or presenting a likelihood of harm, and the acts or omissions are not due solely to the lack of financial means of the child's parents or other custodian. Neglect may include, but shall not be limited to:
(1) Failure to provide the child with food, clothing or shelter necessary to sustain the life or health of the child;
(2) failure to provide adequate supervision of a child or to remove a child from a situation which requires judgment or actions beyond the child's level of maturity, physical condition or mental abilities and that results in bodily injury or a likelihood of harm to the child; or
(3) failure to use resources available to treat a diagnosed medical condition if such treatment will make a child substantially more comfortable, reduce pain and suffering, or correct or substantially diminish a crippling condition from worsening. A parent legitimately practicing religious beliefs who does not provide specified medical treatment for a child because of religious beliefs shall not for that reason be considered a negligent parent; however, this exception shall not preclude a court from entering an order pursuant to subsection (a)(2) of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2217, and amendments thereto.
(t) "Parent" when used in relation to a child or children, includes a guardian and every person who is by law liable to maintain, care for or support the child.
(u) "Party" means the state, the petitioner, the child, any parent of the child and an Indian child's tribe intervening pursuant to the Indian child welfare act.
(v) "Permanency goal" means the outcome of the permanency planning process which may be reintegration, adoption, appointment of a permanent custodian or another planned permanent living arrangement.
(w) "Permanent custodian" means a judicially approved permanent guardian of a child pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2272, and amendments thereto.
(x) "Physical, mental or emotional abuse" means the infliction of physical, mental or emotional harm or the causing of a deterioration of a child and may include, but shall not be limited to, maltreatment or exploiting a child to the extent that the child's health or emotional well-being is endangered.
(y) "Placement" means the designation by the individual or agency having custody of where and with whom the child will live.
(z) "Relative" means a person related by blood, marriage or adoption but, when referring to a relative of a child's parent, does not include the child's other parent.
(aa) "Secretary" means the secretary of social and rehabilitation services or the secretary's designee.
(bb) "Secure facility" means a facility which is operated or structured so as to ensure that all entrances and exits from the facility are under the exclusive control of the staff of the facility, whether or not the person being detained has freedom of movement within the perimeters of the facility, or which relies on locked rooms and buildings, fences or physical restraint in order to control behavior of its residents. No secure facility shall be in a city or county jail.
(cc) "Sexual abuse" means any contact or interaction with a child in which the child is being used for the sexual stimulation of the perpetrator, the child or another person. Sexual abuse shall include allowing, permitting or encouraging a child to engage in prostitution or to be photographed, filmed or depicted in pornographic material.
(dd) "Shelter facility" means any public or private facility or home other than a juvenile detention facility that may be used in accordance with this code for the purpose of providing either temporary placement for children in need of care prior to the issuance of a dispositional order or longer term care under a dispositional order.
(ee) "Transition plan" means, when used in relation to a youth in the custody of the secretary, an individualized strategy for the provision of medical, mental health, education, employment and housing supports as needed for the adult and, if applicable, for any minor child of the adult, to live independently and specifically provides for the supports and any services for which an adult with a disability is eligible including, but not limited to, funding for home and community based services waivers.
(ff) "Youth residential facility" means any home, foster home or structure which provides 24-hour-a-day care for children and which is licensed pursuant to article 5 of chapter 65 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 2; L. 2008, ch. 169, § 1; L. 2009, ch. 99, § 1; July 1.
(b) Subject to the uniform child custody jurisdiction and enforcement act, K.S.A. 38-1336 through 38-1377, and amendments thereto, the district court shall have original jurisdiction of proceedings pursuant to this code.
(c) The court acquires jurisdiction over a child by the filing of a petition pursuant to this code or upon issuance of an ex parte order pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2242, and amendments thereto. When the court acquires jurisdiction over a child in need of care, jurisdiction may continue until the child has: (1) Become 18 years of age, or until June 1 of the school year during which the child became 18 years of age if the child is still attending high school unless there is no court approved transition plan, in which event jurisdiction may continue until a transition plan is approved by the court or until the child reaches the age of 21; (2) been adopted; or (3) been discharged by the court. Any child 18 years of age or over may request, in writing to the court, that the jurisdiction of the court cease. The court shall give notice of the request to all parties and interested parties and 30 days after receipt of the request, jurisdiction will cease.
(d) When it is no longer appropriate for the court to exercise jurisdiction over a child, the court, upon its own motion or the motion of a party or interested party at a hearing or upon agreement of all parties or interested parties, shall enter an order discharging the child. Except upon request of the child pursuant to subsection (c), the court shall not enter an order discharging a child until June 1 of the school year during which the child becomes 18 years of age if the child is in an out-of-home placement, is still attending high school and has not completed the child's high school education.
(e) When a petition is filed under this code, a person who is alleged to be under 18 years of age shall be presumed to be under that age for the purposes of this code, unless the contrary is proved.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 3; L. 2008, ch. 169, § 2; L. 2009, ch. 99, § 2; July 1.
(b) Upon application of any party or interested party and after notice to all other parties and interested parties, the court in which the petition was originally filed alleging that a child is a child in need of care may order the proceedings transferred to the court of the county where: (1) The child is physically present; (2) the parent or parents reside; or (3) other proceedings are pending in this state concerning custody of the child. The judge of the court in which the case is pending shall consult with the judge of the proposed receiving court prior to transfer of the case. If the judges do not agree that the case should be transferred or if a hearing is requested, a hearing shall be held on the desirability of the transfer, with notice to parties or interested parties, the secretary and the proposed receiving court. If the judge of the transferring court orders the case transferred, the order of transfer shall include findings stating why the case is being transferred and, if available, the names and addresses of all interested parties to whom the receiving court should provide notice of any further proceedings. The receiving court shall accept the case. Upon a judge ordering a transfer of venue, the clerk shall transmit the contents of the official file and a complete copy of the social file to the court to which venue is transferred, and, upon receipt of the record, the receiving court shall assume jurisdiction as if the proceedings were originally filed in that court. The transferring judge, if an adjudicatory hearing has been held, shall also transmit recommendations as to disposition. The court may return the case to the court where it originated if the child is not present in the receiving county or, the receiving county is not the residence of the child's parent or parents.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 4; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) Attorney for parent or custodian. A parent of a child alleged or adjudged to be a child in need of care may be represented by an attorney, in connection with all proceedings under this code. At the first hearing in connection with proceedings under this code, the court shall distribute a pamphlet, designed by the court, to the parents of a child alleged or adjudged to be a child in need of care, to advise the parents of their rights in connection with all proceedings under this code.
(1) If at any stage of the proceedings a parent desires but is financially unable to employ an attorney, the court shall appoint an attorney for the parent. It shall not be necessary to appoint an attorney to represent a parent who fails or refuses to attend the hearing after having been properly served with process in accordance with K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2237, and amendments thereto. A parent or custodian who is not a minor, a mentally ill person or a disabled person may waive counsel either in writing or on the record.
(2) The court shall appoint an attorney for a parent who is a minor, a mentally ill person or a disabled person unless the court determines that there is an attorney retained who will appear and represent the interests of the person in the proceedings under this code.
(3) As used in this subsection: (A) "Mentally ill person" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in K.S.A. 59-2946, and amendments thereto; and (B) "disabled person" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in K.S.A. 77-201, and amendments thereto.
(c) Attorney for interested parties. A person who, pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2241, and amendments thereto, is an interested party in a proceeding involving a child alleged to be a child in need of care may be represented by an attorney in connection with all proceedings under this code. At the first hearing in connection with proceedings under this code, the court shall distribute a pamphlet, designed by the court, to interested parties in a proceeding involving a child alleged or adjudged to be a child in need of care, to advise interested parties of their rights in connection with all proceedings under this code. It shall not be necessary to appoint an attorney to represent an interested party who fails or refuses to attend the hearing after having been properly served with process in accordance with K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2237, and amendments thereto. If at any stage of the proceedings a person who is an interested party under subsection (d) of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2241, and amendments thereto, desires but is financially unable to employ an attorney, the court may appoint an attorney for the interested party.
(d) Continuation of representation. A guardian ad litem appointed to represent the best interests of a child or a second attorney appointed for a child as provided in subsection (a), or an attorney appointed for a parent or custodian shall continue to represent the client at all subsequent hearings in proceedings under this code, including any appellate proceedings, unless relieved by the court upon a showing of good cause or upon transfer of venue.
(e) Fees for counsel. An attorney appointed pursuant to this section shall be allowed a reasonable fee for services, which may be assessed as an expense in the proceedings as provided in K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2215, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 5; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) Any person participating in a judicial proceeding as a court-appointed special advocate shall be presumed prima facie to be acting in good faith and in so doing shall be immune from any civil liability that otherwise might be incurred or imposed.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 6; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) The chief judge of the judicial district, or another judge designated by the chief judge, shall appoint three to seven citizens from the community to serve on each citizen review board. Such members shall represent the various socioeconomic and ethnic groups of the judicial district, and shall have a special interest in children. Such judge may also appoint alternates when necessary.
(c) The term of appointment shall be two years and members may be reappointed.
(d) Members shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for mileage for out-of-county reviews.
(e) Each citizen review board shall meet quarterly and may meet monthly if the number of cases to review requires such meetings.
(f) Members and alternates appointed to citizen review boards shall receive at least six hours of training before reviewing a case.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 7; Jan. 1, 2007.
(1) Review each case referred to them, and such additional cases as the board deems appropriate, of a child who is the subject of a child in need of care petition or who has been adjudicated a child in need of care, receive verbal information from all persons with pertinent knowledge of the case and have access to materials contained in the court's files on the case;
(2) determine the progress which has been made to acquire a permanent home for the child in need of care;
(3) suggest an alternative case goal if progress has been insufficient; and
(4) make recommendations to the judge regarding further actions on the case.
(b) The initial review by the citizen review board may take place any time after a petition is filed for a child in need of care.
(c) The citizen review board will review each referred case at least once each year.
(d) The judge shall consider the citizen review board recommendations in making an authorized dispositional order pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2255, and amendments thereto, and may incorporate the citizen review board's recommendations into an order in lieu of a hearing.
(e) Three members of the citizen review board shall be present to review a case.
(f) The court shall provide a place for the reviews to be held. The citizen review board members shall travel to the county of the family residence of the child being reviewed to hold the review.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 8; Jan. 1, 2007.
(1) Court records. Court records include both the official file and the social file.
(A) Official file. The official file of proceedings pursuant to this code shall consist of the pleadings, process, service of process, orders, writs and journal entries reflecting hearings held and judgments and decrees entered by the court. The official file shall be kept separate from other records of the court.
(B) Social file. The social file of proceedings pursuant to this code shall consist of reports and information received by the court, other than the official file. The social file shall be kept separate from other records of the court.
(2) Agency records. Agency records shall consist of all records and reports in the possession or control of the secretary or any agent of the secretary or of a juvenile intake and assessment agency concerning children alleged or adjudicated to be in need of care.
(3) Law enforcement records. Law enforcement records shall consist of all records and reports in the possession of a law enforcement agency concerning children alleged or adjudicated to be in need of care and shall, to the extent practical, be kept separate from other records held by a law enforcement agency.
(b) Penalties for improper disclosure of confidential records. No individual, association, partnership, corporation or other entity shall willfully or knowingly disclose, permit or encourage disclosure of the contents of records or reports in violation of the confidentiality requirements of this section. The court in a child in need of care proceeding may impose a civil penalty of up to $1,000 on any person or entity that violates this section. Violation of this section is a class A nonperson misdemeanor.
(c) Immunity. The following immunities shall apply to the disclosure of confidential information:
(1) Anyone who participates in providing or receiving information without malice under the provisions of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2210 through 38-2213, and amendments thereto, shall have immunity from any civil liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed. Any such participant shall have the same immunity with respect to participation in any judicial proceedings resulting from providing or receiving information.
(2) The sharing of any information pursuant to this code by any person licensed or registered by the behavioral science regulatory board shall not be subject to review under any rules or regulations adopted by the behavioral sciences regulatory board.
(d) Risk of harm to child or others. Access to or disclosure of information pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2210 through 38-2213, and amendments thereto, is not required if the person or entity in possession of a record or report has reason to believe the person requesting such information may harm a child or other person as a result of such access or disclosure. The court may enter an order compelling or prohibiting access to, or disclosure of information.
History: L. 2004, ch. 178, § 1; July 1.
(a) The secretary.
(b) The commissioner of juvenile justice.
(c) The law enforcement agency receiving such report.
(d) Members of a court appointed multidisciplinary team.
(e) An entity mandated by federal law or an agency of any state authorized to receive and investigate reports of a child known or suspected to be in need of care.
(f) A military enclave or Indian tribal organization authorized to receive and investigate reports of a child known or suspected to be in need of care.
(g) A county or district attorney with responsibility for filing a petition pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2214, and amendments thereto.
(h) A court services officer who has taken a child into custody pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2231, and amendments thereto.
(i) An intake and assessment worker.
(j) Any community corrections program which has the child under court ordered supervision.
(k) The department of health and environment or persons authorized by the department of health and environment pursuant to K.S.A. 65-512, and amendments thereto, for the purpose of carrying out responsibilities relating to licensure or registration of child care providers as required by article 5 of chapter 65 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2004, ch. 178, § 2; July 1.
(1) The court having jurisdiction over the proceedings, including the presiding judge and any court personnel designated by the judge.
(2) The parties to the proceedings and their attorneys.
(3) The guardian ad litem for a child who is the subject of the proceeding.
(4) A court appointed special advocate for a child who is the subject of the proceeding or a paid staff member of a court appointed special advocate program.
(5) Any individual, or any public or private agency or institution, having custody of the child under court order or providing educational, medical or mental health services to the child or any placement provider or potential placement provider as determined by the secretary or court services officer.
(6) A citizen review board.
(7) The commissioner of juvenile justice or any agents designated by the commissioner.
(8) Any other person when authorized by a court order, subject to any conditions imposed by the order.
(9) The commission on judicial performance in the discharge of the commission's duties pursuant to article 32 of chapter 20 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto.
(b) Access to the social file. The following persons or entities shall have access to the social file of a child in need of care proceeding pursuant to this code:
(1) The court having jurisdiction over the proceeding, including the presiding judge and any court personnel designated by the judge.
(2) The attorney for a party to the proceeding or the person or persons designated by an Indian tribe that is a party.
(3) The guardian ad litem for a child who is the subject of the proceeding.
(4) A court appointed special advocate for a child who is the subject of the proceeding or a paid staff member of a court appointed special advocate program.
(5) A citizen review board.
(6) The secretary.
(7) The commissioner of juvenile justice or any agents designated by the commissioner.
(8) Any other person when authorized by a court order, subject to any conditions imposed by the order.
(c) Preservation of records. The Kansas state historical society shall be allowed to take possession for preservation in the state archives of any court records related to proceedings under the Kansas code for care of children whenever such records otherwise would be destroyed. No such records in the custody of the Kansas state historical society shall be disclosed directly or indirectly to anyone for 70 years after creation of the records, except as provided in subsections (a) and (b). Pursuant to subsections (a)(8) and (b)(8), a judge of the district court may allow inspection for research purposes of any court records in the custody of the Kansas state historical society related to proceedings under the Kansas code for care of children.
History: L. 1982, ch. 182, § 6; L. 1988, ch. 139, § 1; L. 1992, ch. 318, § 1; L. 1996, ch. 229, § 32; L. 2004, ch. 178, § 3; L. 2008, ch. 145, § 7; L. 2009, ch. 143, § 15; July 1.
History: L. 1982, ch. 182, § 6; L. 1988, ch. 139, § 1; L. 1992, ch. 318, § 1; L. 1996, ch. 229, § 32; L. 2004, ch. 178, § 3; L. 2008, ch. 169, § 3; Repealed, L. 2009, ch. 143, § 37; July 1.
(b) Free exchange of information. Pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2210, and amendments thereto, the secretary, agents of the secretary and juvenile intake and assessment agencies shall participate in the free exchange of information concerning a child who is alleged or adjudicated to be in need of care.
(c) Necessary access. The following persons or entities shall have access to information from agency records. Access shall be limited to information reasonably necessary to carry out their lawful responsibilities, to maintain their personal safety and the personal safety of individuals in their care, or to educate, diagnose, treat, care for or protect a child alleged to be in need of care. Information authorized to be disclosed pursuant to this subsection shall not contain information which identifies a reporter of a child who is alleged or adjudicated to be a child in need of care.
(1) A child named in the report or records, a guardian ad litem appointed for the child and the child's attorney.
(2) A parent or other person responsible for the welfare of a child, or such person's legal representative.
(3) A court-appointed special advocate for a child, a citizen review board or other advocate which reports to the court.
(4) A person licensed to practice the healing arts or mental health profession in order to diagnose, care for, treat or supervise: (A) A child whom such service provider reasonably suspects may be in need of care; (B) a member of the child's family; or (C) a person who allegedly abused or neglected the child.
(5) A person or entity licensed or registered by the secretary of health and environment or approved by the secretary of social and rehabilitation services to care for, treat or supervise a child in need of care.
(6) A coroner or medical examiner when such person is determining the cause of death of a child.
(7) The state child death review board established under K.S.A. 22a-243, and amendments thereto.
(8) An attorney for a private party who files a petition pursuant to subsection (b) of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2233, and amendments thereto.
(9) A foster parent, prospective foster parent, permanent custodian, prospective permanent custodian, adoptive parent or prospective adoptive parent. In order to assist such person's in making an informed decision regarding acceptance of a particular child, to help the family anticipate problems which may occur during the child's placement, and to help the family meet the needs of the child in a constructive manner, the secretary shall seek and shall provide the following information to such person's as the information becomes available to the secretary:
(A) Strengths, needs and general behavior of the child;
(B) circumstances which necessitated placement;
(C) information about the child's family and the child's relationship to the family which may affect the placement;
(D) important life experiences and relationships which may affect the child's feelings, behavior, attitudes or adjustment;
(E) medical history of the child, including third-party coverage which may be available to the child; and
(F) education history, to include present grade placement, special strengths and weaknesses.
(10) The state protection and advocacy agency as provided by subsection (a)(10) of K.S.A. 65-5603 or subsection (a)(2)(A) and (B) of K.S.A. 74-5515, and amendments thereto.
(11) Any educational institution to the extent necessary to enable the educational institution to provide the safest possible environment for its pupils and employees.
(12) Any educator to the extent necessary to enable the educator to protect the personal safety of the educator and the educator's pupils.
(13) Any other federal, state or local government executive branch entity or any agent of such entity, having a need for such information in order to carry out such entity's responsibilities under the law to protect children from abuse and neglect.
(d) Specified access. The following persons or entities shall have access to information contained in agency records as specified. Information authorized to be disclosed pursuant to this subsection shall not contain information which identifies a reporter of a child who is alleged or adjudicated to be a child in need of care.
(1) Information from confidential agency records of the department of social and rehabilitation services, a law enforcement agency or any juvenile intake and assessment worker of a child alleged or adjudicated to be in need of care shall be available to members of the standing house or senate committee on judiciary, house committee on corrections and juvenile justice, house committee on appropriations, senate committee on ways and means, legislative post audit committee and any joint committee with authority to consider children's and families' issues, when carrying out such member's or committee's official functions in accordance with K.S.A. 75-4319 and amendments thereto, in a closed or executive meeting. Except in limited conditions established by 2/3 of the members of such committee, records and reports received by the committee shall not be further disclosed. Unauthorized disclosure may subject such member to discipline or censure from the house of representatives or senate. The secretary of social and rehabilitation services shall not summarize the outcome of department actions regarding a child alleged to be a child in need of care in information available to members of such committees.
(2) The secretary of social and rehabilitation services may summarize the outcome of department actions regarding a child alleged to be a child in need of care to a person having made such report.
(3) Public disclosure of information from confidential reports or records of a child alleged or adjudicated to be a child in need of care shall be limited to:
(A) Confirmation of factual details with respect to how the case was handled, provided, however, that the information does not violate the privacy of the child, or the child's siblings, parents or guardians.
(B) Confidential information may be released to the public only with the express written permission of the individuals involved or their representatives.
(e) Court order. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a court of competent jurisdiction, after in camera inspection, may order disclosure of confidential agency records pursuant to a determination that the disclosure is in the best interests of the child who is the subject of the reports or that the records are necessary for the proceedings of the court and otherwise admissible as evidence. The court shall specify the terms of disclosure and impose appropriate limitations.
(f) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, except as provided in paragraph (2), in the event that child abuse or neglect results in a child fatality or near fatality, reports or records of a child in need of care received by the department of social and rehabilitation services, a law enforcement agency or any juvenile intake and assessment worker shall become a public record and subject to disclosure pursuant to K.S.A. 45-215, and amendments thereto. Within seven days of receipt of a request in accordance with the procedures adopted under K.S.A. 45-220, and amendments thereto, the secretary shall notify any affected individual that an open records request has been made concerning such records. The secretary or any affected individual may file a motion requesting the court to prevent disclosure of such record or report, or any select portion thereof. If the affected individual does not file such motion within seven days of notification, and the secretary has not filed a motion, the secretary shall release the reports or records. In reviewing such motion, the court shall consider the effect such disclosure may have upon an ongoing criminal investigation, a pending prosecution, or the privacy of the child, if living, or the child's siblings, parents or guardians. Nothing herein is intended to require that an otherwise privileged communication lose its privileged character. If the court grants such motion, the court shall make written findings on the record justifying the closing of the records. For reports or records requested pursuant to this subsection, the time limitations specified in this subsection shall control to the extent of any inconsistency between this subsection and K.S.A. 45-218, and amendments thereto. As used in this section, "near fatality" means an act that, as certified by a person licensed to practice medicine and surgery, places the child in serious or critical condition.
(2) Nothing in this subsection shall allow the disclosure of reports, records or documents concerning the child and such child's biological parents which were created prior to such child's adoption.
History: L. 1982, ch. 182, § 7; L. 1983, ch. 140, § 14; L. 1985, ch. 145, § 1; L. 1988, ch. 138, § 2; L. 1990, ch. 147, § 1; L. 1992, ch. 318, § 2; L. 1996, ch. 229, § 33; L. 1997, ch. 156, § 41; L. 1998, ch. 171, § 7; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 43; L. 2000, ch. 150, § 5; L. 2002, ch. 135, § 1; L. 2004, ch. 178, § 4; July 1.
(b) Free exchange of information. Pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2210, and amendments thereto, a law enforcement agency shall participate in the free exchange of information concerning a child who is alleged or adjudicated to be in need of care.
(c) Access to information in law enforcement records. In order to discharge their official duties, the following persons or entities shall have access to confidential law enforcement records concerning a child alleged or adjudicated to be in need of care.
(1) The court having jurisdiction over the proceedings, including the presiding judge and any court personnel designated by the judge.
(2) The secretary.
(3) The commissioner of juvenile justice.
(4) Law enforcement officers or county or district attorneys or their staff.
(5) Any juvenile intake and assessment worker.
(6) Members of a court-appointed multidisciplinary team.
(7) Any other federal, state or local government executive branch entity, or any agent of such entity, having a need for such information in order to carry out such entity's responsibilities under law to protect children from abuse and neglect.
(8) Persons or entities allowed access pursuant to subsection (f) of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2212, and amendments thereto.
(d) Necessary access. The following persons or entities shall have access to information from law enforcement records when reasonably necessary to carry out their lawful responsibilities, to maintain their personal safety and the personal safety of individuals in their care, or to educate, diagnose, treat, care for or protect a child alleged or adjudicated to be in need of care. Information authorized to be disclosed in this subsection shall not contain information which identifies a reporter of a child alleged or adjudicated to be a child in need of care.
(1) Any individual, or public or private agency authorized by a properly constituted authority to diagnose, care for, treat or supervise a child who is the subject of a report or record of child abuse or neglect, including physicians, psychiatrists, nurses, nurse practitioners, psychologists, licensed social workers, child development specialists, physician assistants, community mental health workers, alcohol and drug abuse counselors, and licensed or registered child care providers.
(2) School administrators shall have access to but shall not copy law enforcement records and may disclose information to teachers, paraprofessionals and other school personnel as necessary to meet the educational needs of the child or to protect the safety of students and school employees.
(3) The department of health and environment or persons authorized by the department of health and environment pursuant to K.S.A. 65-512, and amendments thereto, for the purposes of carrying out responsibilities relating to licensure or registration of child care providers as required by article 5 of chapter 65 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto.
(e) Legislative access. Information from law enforcement records of a child alleged or adjudicated to be in need of care shall be available to members of the standing house or senate committee on judiciary, house committee on corrections and juvenile justice, house committee on appropriations, senate committee on ways and means, legislative post audit committee and any joint committee with authority to consider children's and families' issues, when carrying out such member's or committee's official functions in accordance with K.S.A. 75-4319 and amendments thereto, in a closed or executive meeting. Except in limited conditions established by 2/3 of the members of such committee, records and reports received by the committee shall not be further disclosed. Unauthorized disclosure may subject such member to discipline or censure from the house of representatives or senate.
(f) Court order. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a court of competent jurisdiction, after in camera inspection, may order disclosure of confidential law enforcement records pursuant to a determination that the disclosure is in the best interests of the child who is the subject of the reports or that the records are necessary for the proceedings of the court and otherwise admissible as evidence. The court shall specify the terms of disclosure and impose appropriate limitations.
History: L. 1982, ch. 182, § 8; L. 1983, ch. 140, § 15; L. 1984, ch. 153, § 2; L. 1992, ch. 318, § 3; L. 1996, ch. 229, § 35; L. 1997, ch. 156, § 42; L. 2004, ch. 178, § 5; July 1.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 9; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) Expenses. The expenses for proceedings under this code, including fees and mileage allowed witnesses and fees and expenses approved by the court for appointed attorneys, shall be paid by the board of county commissioners from the general fund of the county.
(c) Assessment of docket fee and expenses. (1) Docket fee. The docket fee may be assessed or waived by the court conducting the initial dispositional hearing and the docket fee may be assessed against the complaining witness or person initiating the proceedings or a party or interested party other than the state, a political subdivision of the state, an agency of the state or of a political subdivision of the state, or a person acting in the capacity of an employee of the state or of a political subdivision of the state. Any docket fee received shall be remitted to the state treasurer pursuant to K.S.A. 20-362, and amendments thereto.
(2) Expenses. Expenses may be assessed against the complaining witness, a person initiating the proceedings, a party or an interested party, other than the state, a political subdivision of the state, an agency of the state or of a political subdivision of the state or a person acting in the capacity of an employee of the state or of a political subdivision of the state. When expenses are recovered from a person against whom they have been assessed the general fund of the county shall be reimbursed in the amount of the recovery. If it appears to the court in any proceedings under this code that expenses were unreasonably incurred at the request of any party the court may assess that portion of the expenses against the party.
(d) Cases in which venue is transferred. If venue is transferred from one county to another, the court from which the case is transferred shall send to the receiving court a statement of expenses paid from the general fund of the sending county. If the receiving court collects any of the expenses owed in the case, the receiving court shall pay to the sending court an amount proportional to the sending court's share of the total expenses owed to both counties. The expenses of the sending county shall not be an obligation of the receiving county except to the extent that the sending county's proportion of the expenses is collected by the receiving court. All amounts collected shall first be applied toward payment of the docket fee.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 10; L. 2008, ch. 95, § 9; L. 2009, ch. 116, § 17; July 1.
(2) When a law enforcement officer has taken a child into custody as authorized by subsection (b) of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2231, and amendments thereto, and delivered the child to a person or facility designated by the secretary or when custody of a child is awarded to the secretary, the expenses of the care and custody of the child may be paid by the secretary, even though the child does not meet the eligibility standards of K.S.A. 39-709, and amendments thereto.
(3) When the custody of a child is awarded to the secretary, the expenses of the care and custody of the child shall not be paid out of the county general fund.
(4) Nothing in this section shall be construed to mean that any person shall be relieved of legal responsibility to support a child.
(b) Reimbursement to county general fund. (1) When expenses for the care and custody of a child alleged or adjudged to be a child in need of care have been paid out of the county general fund, the court may fix a time and place for hearing on the question of requiring payment or reimbursement of all or part of the expenses by a person who by law is liable to maintain, care for or support the child.
(2) The court, after notice to the person who by law is liable to maintain, care for or support the child, may hear and dispose of the matter and may enter an order relating to payment of expenses for care and custody of the child. If the person willfully fails or refuses to pay the sum, the person may be adjudged in contempt of court and punished accordingly.
(3) The county may bring a separate action against a person who by law is liable to maintain, care for or support a child alleged or adjudged to be a child in need of care for the reimbursement of expenses paid out of the county general fund for the care and custody of the child.
(c) Reimbursement to secretary. (1) When expenses for the care and custody of a child alleged or adjudged to be a child in need of care have been paid by the secretary, the secretary may recover the expenses pursuant to K.S.A. 39-709, 39-718b or 39-755, and amendments thereto, or as otherwise provided by law, from any person who by law is liable to maintain, care for or support the child.
(2) The secretary shall have the power to compromise and settle any claim due or any amount claimed to be due to the secretary from any person who by law is liable to maintain, care for or support the child.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 11; Jan. 1, 2007.
(2) When the health or condition of a child who is subject to jurisdiction of the court requires it, the court may consent to the performing and furnishing of hospital, medical, surgical or dental treatment or procedures, including the release and inspection of medical or dental records. A child, or parent of any child, who is opposed to certain medical procedures authorized by this subsection may request an opportunity for a hearing thereon before the court. Subsequent to the hearing, the court may limit the performance of matters provided for in this subsection or may authorize the performance of those matters subject to terms and conditions the court considers proper.
(3) The custodian or agent of the custodian is the personal representative for the purpose of consenting to disclosure of otherwise protected health information and may give consent to the following:
(A) Dental treatment for the child by a licensed dentist;
(B) diagnostic examinations of the child, including but not limited to the withdrawal of blood or other body fluids, x-rays and other laboratory examinations;
(C) releases and inspections of the child's medical history records;
(D) immunizations for the child;
(E) administration of lawfully prescribed drugs to the child;
(F) examinations of the child including, but not limited to, the withdrawal of blood or other body fluids or tissues for the purpose of determining the child's parentage; and
(G) subject to limitations in K.S.A. 59-3075(e)(4), (5) and (6), and amendments thereto, medical or surgical care determined by a physician to be necessary for the welfare of such child, if the parents are not available or refuse to consent.
(4) When the court has adjudicated a child to be in need of care, the custodian or an agent designated by the custodian is the personal representative for the purpose of consenting to disclosure of otherwise protected health information and shall have authority to consent to the performance and furnishing of hospital, medical, surgical or dental treatment or procedures or mental care or treatment other than inpatient treatment at a state psychiatric hospital, including the release and inspection of medical or hospital records, subject to terms and conditions the court considers proper and subject to the limitations of K.S.A. 59-3075 (e)(4), (5) and (6), and amendments thereto.
(5) Any health care provider who in good faith renders hospital, medical, surgical, mental or dental care or treatment to any child or discloses protected health information as authorized by this section shall not be liable in any civil or criminal action for failure to obtain consent of a parent.
(6) Nothing in this section shall be construed to mean that any person shall be relieved of legal responsibility to provide care and support for a child.
(b) Care and treatment requiring court action. If it is brought to the court's attention, while the court is exercising jurisdiction over the person of a child under this code, that the child may be a mentally ill person as defined in K.S.A. 59-2946, and amendments thereto, or a person with an alcohol or substance abuse problem as defined in K.S.A. 59-29b46, and amendments thereto, the court may:
(1) Direct or authorize the county or district attorney or the person supplying the information to file the petition provided for in K.S.A. 59-2957, and amendments thereto, and proceed to hear and determine the issues raised by the application as provided in the care and treatment act for mentally ill persons or the petition provided for in K.S.A. 59-29b57, and amendments thereto, and proceed to hear and determine the issues raised by the application as provided in the care and treatment act for persons with an alcohol or substance abuse problem; or
(2) authorize that the child seek voluntary admission to a treatment facility as provided in K.S.A. 59-2949, and amendments thereto, or K.S.A 59-29b49, and amendments thereto.
The application to determine whether the child is a mentally ill person or a person with an alcohol or substance abuse problem may be filed in the same proceedings as the petition alleging the child to be a child in need of care, or may be brought in separate proceedings. In either event, the court may enter an order staying any further proceedings under this code until all proceedings have been concluded under the care and treatment act for mentally ill persons or the care and treatment act for persons with an alcohol or substance abuse problem.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 12; L. 2008, ch. 169, § 4; July 1.
(1) Repeated attempts have been made to contact the parent to provide notice of an IEP meeting and secure the parent's participation and such attempts have been unsuccessful;
(2) having been provided actual notice of an IEP meeting, the parent has failed or refused to attend and participate in the meeting; or
(3) the parent's whereabouts are unknown so that notice of an IEP meeting cannot be given to the parent. As soon as possible after notification, the state board of education, or its designee, shall appoint an education advocate for the child.
(b) If the secretary changes the placement of a pupil from one school district to another or to another school within the same district, it shall be the duty of the secretary to transfer, or make provision for the transfer, of all school records of such pupil to the district or school to which the pupil is transferred. Such school records shall be transferred at the same time that the pupil is transferred or as soon as possible thereafter.
(c) As used in this section, the terms "exceptional child", "special education", and "education advocate" have the meanings respectively ascribed thereto in the special education for exceptional children act, K.S.A. 72-961 et seq., and amendments thereto. The term "pupil" means a child living in a school district as a result of a placement therein by the secretary pursuant to this code.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 13; Jan. 1, 2007.
(2) Medical. During proceedings under this code, the court may order an examination and report of the medical condition and needs of a child who is the subject of the proceedings. The court may also order a report from any physician who has been attending the child stating the diagnosis, condition and treatment afforded the child.
(3) Educational. During proceedings under this code, the court may order the chief administrative officer of the school which the child attends or attended to provide to the court information that is readily available which the school officials believe would properly indicate the educational needs of the child. The order may direct that the school conduct an educational needs assessment of the child and send a report of the assessment to the court. The educational needs assessment may include a meeting involving any of the following: The child's parents; the child's teachers; the school psychologist; a school special services representative; a representative of the secretary; the child's court-appointed special advocate; the child's foster parents, legal guardian and permanent custodian; a court services officer; and other persons that the chief administrative officer of the school or the officer's designee considers appropriate.
(b) Physical, psychological or emotional status of parent or custodian. During proceedings under this code, the court may order: (1) An examination, evaluation and report of the physical, mental or emotional status or needs of a parent, a person residing with a parent or any person being considered as one to whom the court may grant custody; and
(2) written reports from any qualified person concerning the parenting skills or ability to provide for the physical, mental or emotional needs and future development of a child by a parent or any person being considered as one to whom the court may grant custody.
(c) Confidentiality of reports. (1) Reports of court ordered examination or evaluation. No confidential relationship of physician and patient, psychologist and client or social worker and client shall arise from an examination or evaluation ordered by the court.
(2) Report from private physician, psychologist or therapist. When any interested party or party to proceedings under this code wishes the court to have the benefit of information or opinion from a physician, psychologist, registered marriage and family therapist or social worker with whom there is a confidential relationship, the party or interested party may waive the confidential relationship but restrict the information to be furnished or testimony to be given to those matters material to the issues before the court. If requested, the court may make an in camera examination of the proposed witness or the file of the proposed witness and excise any matters that are not material to the issues before the court.
(d) Reports prepared by a court-appointed special advocate or by the secretary. All reports prepared by a court-appointed special advocate or by the secretary shall be filed with the court and shall be made available as provided in subsection (e).
(e) Availability of reports. (1) All reports provided for in this section shall be filed with the court and shall be made available to counsel for any party or interested party prior to any scheduled hearing on any matter addressed by the report. If any party or interested party is not represented by counsel, the report shall be made available to that party.
(2) All reports provided for in this section may be read by the court at any stage of a proceeding under this code, but no fact or conclusion derived from a report shall be used as the basis for an order of the court unless the information has been admitted into evidence following an opportunity for any party or interested party to examine, under oath, the person who prepared the report. If the court is in possession of a report that has not been offered into evidence, the court shall inquire whether there is an objection to admitting the report into evidence. If there is no objection, the court may admit the report into evidence.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 14; L. 2007, ch. 57, § 2; Apr. 5.
(b) If it appears that the issue of parentage needs to be adjudicated, the court shall stay child support proceedings, if any are pending in the case, with respect to that alleged parent and child relationship, until the dispute is resolved by agreement, by a separate action under the Kansas parentage act, K.S.A. 38-1110 et seq., and amendments thereto, or otherwise. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the power of the court to carry out the purposes of the code.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 15; Jan. 1, 2007.
(1) By a person authorized to investigate an allegation or suspicion of child abuse or neglect to obtain and preserve evidence or to determine the identity of a child;
(2) as authorized by K.S.A. 38-1611, and amendments thereto; or
(3) if authorized by a judge of the district court having jurisdiction.
(b) Fingerprints and photographs taken under subsection (a) (3): (1) Shall be kept separate from those of persons of the age of majority; and
(2) may be sent to a state or federal repository only if authorized by a judge of the district court having jurisdiction.
(c) Nothing in this section shall preclude the custodian of the child from authorizing photographs or fingerprints of the child to:
(1) Be used in any action under the Kansas parentage act;
(2) assist in the apprehension of a runaway child;
(3) assist in the adoption or other permanent placement of a child; or
(4) provide the child or the child's parents with a history of the child's life and development.
(d) For purposes of this section, the term photograph means an image or likeness of a child made or reproduced by any medium or means.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 16; Jan. 1, 2007.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 17; Jan. 1, 2007.
(A) The following persons providing medical care or treatment: Persons licensed to practice the healing arts, dentistry and optometry; persons engaged in postgraduate training programs approved by the state board of healing arts; licensed professional or practical nurses; and chief administrative officers of medical care facilities;
(B) the following persons licensed by the state to provide mental health services: Licensed psychologists, licensed masters level psychologists, licensed clinical psychotherapists, licensed social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical marriage and family therapists, licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical professional counselors and registered alcohol and drug abuse counselors;
(C) teachers, school administrators or other employees of an educational institution which the child is attending and persons licensed by the secretary of health and environment to provide child care services or the employees of persons so licensed at the place where the child care services are being provided to the child; and
(D) firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, law enforcement officers, juvenile intake and assessment workers, court services officers and community corrections officers, case managers appointed under K.S.A. 23-1001 et seq., and amendments thereto, and mediators appointed under K.S.A. 23-602, and amendments thereto.
(2) In addition to the reports required under subsection (a)(1), any person who has reason to suspect that a child may be a child in need of care may report the matter as provided in subsection (b) and (c).
(b) Form of report. (1) The report may be made orally and shall be followed by a written report if requested. Every report shall contain, if known: The names and addresses of the child and the child's parents or other persons responsible for the child's care; the location of the child if not at the child's residence; the child's gender, race and age; the reasons why the reporter suspects the child may be a child in need of care; if abuse or neglect or sexual abuse is suspected, the nature and extent of the harm to the child, including any evidence of previous harm; and any other information that the reporter believes might be helpful in establishing the cause of the harm and the identity of the persons responsible for the harm.
(2) When reporting a suspicion that a child may be in need of care, the reporter shall disclose protected health information freely and cooperate fully with the secretary and law enforcement throughout the investigation and any subsequent legal process.
(c) To whom made. Reports made pursuant to this section shall be made to the secretary, except as follows:
(1) When the department of social and rehabilitation services is not open for business, reports shall be made to the appropriate law enforcement agency. On the next day that the department is open for business, the law enforcement agency shall report to the department any report received and any investigation initiated pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2226, and amendments thereto. The reports may be made orally or, on request of the secretary, in writing.
(2) Reports of child abuse or neglect occurring in an institution operated by the secretary of social and rehabilitation services or the commissioner of juvenile justice shall be made to the attorney general. All other reports of child abuse or neglect by persons employed by or of children of persons employed by the department of social and rehabilitation services shall be made to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
(d) Death of child. Any person who is required by this section to report a suspicion that a child is in need of care and who knows of information relating to the death of a child shall immediately notify the coroner as provided by K.S.A. 22a-242, and amendments thereto.
(e) Violations. (1) Willful and knowing failure to make a report required by this section is a class B misdemeanor. It is not a defense that another mandatory reporter made a report.
(2) Intentionally preventing or interfering with the making of a report required by this section is a class B misdemeanor.
(3) Any person who willfully and knowingly makes a false report pursuant to this section or makes a report that such person knows lacks factual foundation is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
(f) Immunity from liability. Anyone who, without malice, participates in the making of a report to the secretary or a law enforcement agency relating to a suspicion a child may be a child in need of care or who participates in any activity or investigation relating to the report or who participates in any judicial proceeding resulting from the report shall have immunity from any civil liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 18; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) Violation of this section is a class B misdemeanor.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 19; Jan. 1, 2007.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 20; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) Joint investigations. When a report of child abuse or neglect indicates: (1) That there is serious physical harm to, serious deterioration of or sexual abuse of the child; and (2) that action may be required to protect the child, the investigation shall be conducted as a joint effort between the secretary and the appropriate law enforcement agency or agencies, with a free exchange of information between them pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2210, and amendments thereto. If a statement of a suspect is obtained by either agency, a copy of the statement shall be provided to the other.
(c) Investigation of certain cases. Suspected child abuse or neglect which occurs in an institution operated by the secretary shall be investigated by the attorney general. Any other suspected child abuse or neglect by persons employed by the department of social and rehabilitation services shall be investigated by the appropriate law enforcement agency.
(d) Coordination of investigations by county or district attorney. If a dispute develops between agencies investigating a reported case of child abuse or neglect, the appropriate county or district attorney shall take charge of, direct and coordinate the investigation.
(e) Investigations concerning certain facilities. Any investigation involving a facility subject to licensing or regulation by the secretary of health and environment shall be promptly reported to the state secretary of health and environment.
(f) Cooperation between agencies. Law enforcement agencies and the secretary shall assist each other in taking action which is necessary to protect a child regardless of which agency conducted the initial investigation.
(g) Cooperation between school personnel and investigative agencies. (1) Educational institutions, the secretary and law enforcement agencies shall cooperate with each other in the investigation of reports of suspected child abuse or neglect. The secretary and law enforcement agencies shall have access to a child in a setting designated by school personnel on the premises of an educational institution. Attendance at an interview conducted on such premises shall be at the discretion of the agency conducting the interview, giving consideration to the best interests of the child. To the extent that safety and practical considerations allow, law enforcement officers on such premises for the purpose of investigating a report of suspected child abuse or neglect shall not be in uniform.
(2) The secretary or a law enforcement officer may request the presence of school personnel during an interview if the secretary or officer determines that the presence of such person might provide comfort to the child or facilitate the investigation.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 21; Jan. 1, 2007.
(1) Be a private, nonprofit incorporated agency or a governmental entity.
(2) Have a neutral, child-focused facility where forensic interviews take place with children in appropriate cases of suspected or alleged physical, mental or emotional abuse or sexual abuse. All agencies shall have a place to interact with the child as investigative or treatment needs require.
(3) Have a minimum designated staff that is supervised and approved by the local board of directors or governmental entity.
(4) Have a multidisciplinary team that meets on a regularly scheduled basis or as the caseload of the community requires. The team shall include, but not be limited to, representatives from the state or local office prosecuting such case, law enforcement, child protective services, mental health services, a victim's advocate, child advocacy center staff and medical personnel.
(5) Provide case tracking of child abuse cases seen through the center. A center shall also collect data on the number of child abuse cases seen at the center, by sex, race, age, and other relevant data, the number of cases referred for prosecution, and the number of cases referred for medical services or mental health therapy.
(6) Provide medical exam services or mental health therapy, or both, on site at the child advocacy center, or provide referrals for medical exams or mental health therapy, or both, to a facility not on the site of the child advocacy center.
(7) Have an interagency commitment, in writing, covering those aspects of agency participation in a multidisciplinary approach to the handling of cases involving physical, mental or emotional abuse.
(8) Provide that child advocacy center employees and volunteers at the center are trained and screened in accordance with K.S.A. 65-516, and amendments thereto.
(9) Provide training for child advocacy center staff who interview children in forensic children's interview technique.
(b) Any child advocacy center within this state that meets the standards prescribed by this section shall be eligible to receive state funds that are appropriated by the legislature.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 22; Jan. 1, 2007.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 23; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) The time and date of delivery shall not be sooner than five days after the service of the subpoena or order, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. The court issuing the subpoena or order shall keep all applications filed pursuant to this subsection and a copy of the subpoena or order in a special file maintained for that purpose. Upon receiving service of a subpoena, subpoena duces tecum or an order for production pursuant to this section, the person or agency served shall give oral or written notice of service to any person known to have a right to assert a privilege or assert a right of confidentiality in regard to the documents, reports or information sought at least three days before the date of delivery.
(c) Any parent, child, guardian ad litem, person or entity subpoenaed or subject to an order of production or person or entity who claims a privilege or right of confidentiality may request in writing that the court issuing the subpoena or order of production quash the subpoena, subpoena duces tecum or order for production issued pursuant to this section. The request shall automatically stay the operation of the subpoena, subpoena duces tecum or order for production and the documents, reports or information requested shall not be delivered until the issuing court has held a hearing to determine if the documents, reports or information are subject to the claimed privilege or right of confidentiality, and whether it is in the best interests of the child for the subpoena or order to produce to be honored. The request to quash shall be filed with the district court issuing the subpoena or order at least 24 hours prior to the specified time and date of delivery, excluding Saturdays, Sundays or holidays, and a copy of the written request must be given to the person subpoenaed or subject to the order for production at least 24 hours prior to the specified time and date of delivery.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 24; Jan. 1, 2007.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 25; Jan. 1, 2007.
(1) The law enforcement officer or court services officer has a court order commanding that the child be taken into custody as a child in need of care; or
(2) the law enforcement officer or court services officer has probable cause to believe that a court order commanding that the child be taken into custody as a child in need of care has been issued in this state or in another jurisdiction.
(b) A law enforcement officer shall take a child under 18 years of age into custody when:
(1) The law enforcement officer reasonably believes the child will be harmed if not immediately removed from the place or residence where the child has been found; or
(2) when the officer has probable cause to believe that the child is a missing person and a verified missing person entry for the child can be found in the national crime information center missing person system.
(c) (1) If a person provides shelter to a child whom the person knows is a runaway, such person shall promptly report the child's location either to a law enforcement agency or to the child's parent or other custodian.
(2) If a person reports a runaway's location to a law enforcement agency pursuant to this section and a law enforcement officer of the agency has reasonable grounds to believe that it is in the child's best interests, the child may be allowed to remain in the place where shelter is being provided, subject to subsection (b), in the absence of a court order to the contrary. If the child is allowed to so remain, the law enforcement agency shall promptly notify the secretary of the child's location and circumstances.
(d) A law enforcement officer may temporarily detain and assume temporary custody of any child subject to compulsory school attendance, pursuant to K.S.A. 72-1111, and amendments thereto, during the hours school is actually in session and shall deliver the child pursuant to subsection (g) of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2232, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 26; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) When any law enforcement officer takes into custody any child as provided in subsection (b)(2) of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2231, and amendments thereto, proceedings shall be initiated in accordance with the provisions of the interstate compact on juveniles, K.S.A. 38-1001 et seq., and amendments thereto, or K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-1008, and amendments thereto, when effective. Any child taken into custody pursuant to the interstate compact on juveniles may be detained in a juvenile detention facility or other secure facility.
(c) Whenever a child under the age of 18 years is taken into custody by a law enforcement officer without a court order and is thereafter placed as authorized by subsection (a), the facility or person shall, upon written application of the law enforcement officer, have physical custody and provide care and supervision for the child. The application shall state:
(1) The name and address of the child, if known;
(2) the names and addresses of the child's parents or nearest relatives and persons with whom the child has been residing, if known; and
(3) the officer's belief that the child is a child in need of care and that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the circumstances or condition of the child is such that the child would be harmed unless placed in the immediate custody of the shelter facility or other person.
(d) A copy of the application shall be furnished by the facility or person receiving the child to the county or district attorney without unnecessary delay.
(e) The shelter facility or other person designated by the court who has custody of the child pursuant to this section shall discharge the child not later than 72 hours following admission, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, unless a court has entered an order pertaining to temporary custody or release.
(f) In absence of a court order to the contrary, the county or district attorney or the placing law enforcement agency shall have the authority to direct the release of the child at any time.
(g) When any law enforcement officer takes into custody any child as provided in subsection (d) of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2231, and amendments thereto, the child shall forthwith be delivered to the school in which the child is enrolled, any location designated by the school in which the child is enrolled or the child's parent or other custodian.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 27; L. 2009, ch. 99, § 3; July 1.
(b) Any individual may file a petition alleging a child is a child in need of care and the individual may be represented by the individual's own attorney in the presentation of the case.
(c) When a petition is filed alleging an infant surrendered pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2282, and amendments thereto, is a child in need of care, the petition shall include a request that the court find that reintegration is not a viable alternative. Such petition also shall include a request to terminate the parental rights of the parents of such infant. An expedited hearing shall be granted on any petition filed pursuant to this subsection.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 28; Jan. 1, 2007.
(A) The name, date of birth and residence address of the child;
(B) the name and residence address of the child's parents;
(C) the name and address of the child's nearest known relative if no parent can be found;
(D) the name and residence address of any persons having custody or control of the child; and
(E) plainly and concisely in the language of the statutory definition, the basis for the petition.
(2) The petition shall also state the specific facts which are relied upon to support the allegation referred to in the preceding paragraph including any known dates, times and locations.
(3) The proceedings shall be entitled: "In the Interest of ______________."
(4) The petition shall contain a request that the court find the child to be a child in need of care.
(5) The petition shall contain a request that the parent or parents be ordered to pay child support. The request for child support may be omitted with respect to a parent already ordered to pay child support for the child and shall be omitted with respect to one or both parents upon written request of the secretary.
(6) If the petition requests custody of the child to the secretary or a person other than the child's parent, the petition shall specify the efforts known to the petitioner to have been made to maintain the family and prevent the transfer of custody, or it shall specify the facts demonstrating that an emergency exists which threatens the safety to the child.
(7) If the petition requests removal of the child from the child's home, in addition to the information required by K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2234 (a)(6), and amendments thereto, the petition shall specify the facts demonstrating that allowing the child to remain in the home would be contrary to the welfare of the child or that placement is in the best interests of the child and the child is likely to sustain harm if not removed from the home.
(8) The petition shall contain the following statement: "If you do not appear in court the court will be making decisions without your input which could result in:
(A) The permanent or temporary removal of the child from the custody of the parent or present legal guardian;
(B) an order requiring one or both parents to pay child support until the permanent termination of one or both of the parents parental rights;
(C) the permanent termination of one or both of the parents parental rights; and
(D) the appointment of a permanent custodian for the child.
If you cannot attend the hearing you may send a written response to the petition to the clerk of the court."
(9) The petition shall contain the following statement: "You may receive further notices of other hearings, proceedings and actions in this case which you may attend. These notices will be sent to you by first class mail to your last known address or an address you provide to the court. It is your responsibility to keep the court informed of your current address."
(b) Motions. Motions may be made orally or in writing. The motion shall state with particularity the grounds for the motion and shall state the relief or order sought.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 29; Jan. 1, 2007.
(1) The court shall issue summons pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2236, and amendments thereto, setting the matter for hearing within 30 days of the date the petition is filed. The summons, with a copy of the petition attached, shall be served pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2237, and amendments thereto.
(2) If the child has been taken into protective custody under the provisions of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2242, and amendments thereto, and a temporary custody hearing is held as required by K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2243, and amendments thereto, a copy of the petition shall be served at the hearing on each party and interested party in attendance and a record of service made a part of the proceedings. The court shall announce the time of the next hearing. Process shall be served on any party or interested party not at the temporary custody hearing pursuant to subsection (a)(1). Upon the written request of the petitioner or the county or district attorney, separate or additional summons shall be issued to any party and interested party.
(b) If the petition requests custody to the secretary, the court shall cause a copy of the petition to be provided to the secretary upon filing.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 30; Jan. 1, 2007.
(1) The child alleged to be a child in need of care by serving the guardian ad litem appointed for the child;
(2) the parents or parent having legal custody or who may be ordered to pay child support by the court;
(3) the person with whom the child is residing; and
(4) any other person designated by the county or district attorney.
(b) A copy of the petition and notice of hearing shall be mailed by first class mail to the child's grandparents with whom the child does not reside.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 31; Jan. 1, 2007.
(a) Personal and residence service. Personal and residence service is completed by service in substantial compliance with the provisions of K.S.A. 60-303, and amendments thereto. Personal service upon an individual outside the state shall be made in substantial compliance with the applicable provisions of K.S.A. 60-308, and amendments thereto.
(b) Service by return receipt delivery. Service by return receipt delivery is completed upon mailing or sending only in accordance with the provisions of subsection (c) of K.S.A. 60-303, and amendments thereto.
(c) First class mail service. Service may be made by first class mail, addressed to the individual to be served at the usual place of residence of the person with postage prepaid, and is completed upon the person appearing before the court in response thereto. If the person fails to appear, the summons, notice or other process shall be delivered by personal service, residential service, certified mail service or publication service.
(d) Service upon confined parent. If a parent of a child who is the subject of proceedings under this code is confined in a state or federal penal institution, state or federal hospital or other institution, service shall be made by return receipt delivery to addressee only to both the person in charge of the institution and the confined parent in care of the person in charge of the institution or that person's designee. Personal service on a confined parent who is present in the courtroom cures any defect in notice to the person in charge of the institution.
(e) Service by publication. If service cannot be completed after due diligence using any other method provided in this section, service may be made by publication in accordance with this subsection. Before service by publication, the petitioner, or someone on behalf of the petitioner, shall file an affidavit which shall state the affiant has made an attempt, but unsuccessful, with due diligence to ascertain the names or residences, or both, of the persons. The notice shall be published once a week for two consecutive weeks in the newspaper authorized to publish legal notices in the county where the petition is filed. If a parent cannot be served by other means and due diligence has revealed with substantial certainty that the parent is residing in a particular locality, publication shall also be in a newspaper authorized to publish legal notices in that locality.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 32; L. 2007, ch. 36, § 1; L. 2008, ch. 169, § 5; July 1.
(a) Personal or residential service. (1) Every officer to whom summons or other process is delivered for service within the state shall make written report of the place, manner and date of service of the process.
(2) Every officer to whom summons or other process shall be delivered for service outside this state shall make written report of the place, manner and time of service.
(3) If the process is, by order of the court, delivered to a person other than an officer for service that person shall report the place, manner and time of service by affidavit.
(b) Service by mail. The clerk or a deputy clerk shall make a written report of service by mail.
(c) Publication service. Service by publication shall be reported by an affidavit showing the dates upon and the newspaper in which the notice was published. A copy of the published notice shall be attached to the affidavit.
(d) Amendment of report. The judge may allow an amendment of a report of service at any time and upon terms as are deemed just to correctly reflect the true manner of service.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 33; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) Notice. The notice of hearing shall be given by the clerk, unless otherwise ordered by the court. The notice shall be dated the day it is issued, contain the name of the court and the caption in the case.
(c) Notification by first class mail. Unless other provisions of this code expressly require service of process, notice of motions and other pleadings filed subsequent to the petition in connection with the case and any hearings to be held on such motions or other pleadings may be provided by first class mail, postage prepaid, to any party or interested party who has been served in accordance with K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2237, and amendments thereto. Such notice shall be sent to the last address provided to the court by the party or interested party in question. Failure to appear shall not invalidate notice by first class mail. Notice by mail is not required if the court orally notifies a party or interested party of the time and place of the hearing.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 34; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) The court shall have the power to compel the attendance of witnesses from any county in the state for proceedings under this code.
(c) Only witnesses who have been subpoenaed shall be allowed witness fees and mileage. No witness shall be entitled to be paid fees or mileage before the witness' actual appearance at court.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 35; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) Rights of parties. Subject to the authority of the court to rule on the admissibility of evidence and provide for the orderly conduct of the proceedings, the rights of parties to participate in a child in need of care proceeding include, but are not limited to:
(1) Notice in accordance with K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2236 and 38-2239, and amendments thereto;
(2) present oral or written evidence and argument, to call and cross-examine witnesses; and
(3) representation by an attorney in accordance with K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2205, and amendments thereto.
(c) Grandparents as interested parties. (1) A grandparent of the child shall be made an interested party to a child in need of care proceeding if the grandparent notifies the court of such grandparent's desire to become an interested party. Notification may be made in writing, orally or by appearance at the initial or a subsequent hearing on the child in need of care petition.
(2) Grandparents with interested party status shall have the participatory rights of parties pursuant to subsection (b), except that the court may restrict those rights if the court finds that it would be in the best interests of the child. A grandparent may not be prevented under this paragraph from attending the proceedings, having access to the child's official file in the court records or making a statement to the court.
(d) Persons with whom the child has been residing as interested parties. (1) Any person with whom the child has resided for a significant period of time within six months of the date the child in need of care petition is filed shall be made an interested party, if such person notifies the court of such person's desire to become an interested party. Notification may be made in writing, orally or by appearance at the initial or a subsequent hearing on the child in need of care petition.
(2) Persons with interested party status under this subsection shall have the participatory rights of parties pursuant to subsection (b), except that the court may restrict those rights if the court finds that it would be in the best interests of the child.
(e) Other interested parties. (1) Any person with whom the child has resided at any time, who is within the fourth degree of relationship to the child, or to whom the child has close emotional ties may, upon motion, be made an interested party if the court determines that it is in the best interests of the child.
(2) Any other person or Indian tribe seeking to intervene that is not a party may, upon motion, be made an interested party if the court determines that the person or tribe has a sufficient relationship with the child to warrant interested party status or that the person's or tribe's participation would be beneficial to the proceedings.
(3) The court may, upon its own motion, make any person an interested party if the court determines that interested party status would be in the best interests of the child.
(f) Procedure for determining, denying or terminating interested party status. (1) Upon the request of the court, the secretary shall investigate the advisability of granting interested party status under this section and report findings and recommendations to the court.
(2) The court may deny or terminate interested party status under this subsection if the court determines, after notice and a hearing, that a person does not qualify for interested party status or that there is good cause to deny or terminate interested party status.
(3) A person who is denied interested party status or whose status as an interested party has been terminated may petition for review of the denial or termination by the chief judge of the district in which the court having jurisdiction over the child in need of care proceeding is located, or a judge designated by the chief judge. The chief judge or the chief judge's designee shall review the denial or termination within 30 days of receiving the petition. The child in need of care proceeding shall not be stayed pending resolution of the petition for review.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 36; L. 2008, ch. 169, § 6; July 1.
(1) The applicant's belief that the child is a child in need of care;
(2) that the child is likely to sustain harm if not immediately removed from the home;
(3) that allowing the child to remain in the home is contrary to the welfare of the child; and
(4) the facts relied upon to support the application, including efforts known to the applicant to maintain the family unit and prevent the unnecessary removal of the child from the child's home, or the specific facts supporting that an emergency exists which threatens the safety of the child.
(b) (1) The order of protective custody may be issued only after the court has determined there is probable cause to believe the allegations in the application are true. The order shall remain in effect until the temporary custody hearing provided for in K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2243, and amendments thereto, unless earlier rescinded by the court.
(2) No child shall be held in protective custody for more than 72 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, unless within the 72-hour period a determination is made as to the necessity for temporary custody in a temporary custody hearing. The time spent in custody pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2232, and amendments thereto, shall be included in calculating the 72-hour period. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to mean that the child must remain in protective custody for 72 hours. If a child is in the protective custody of the secretary, the secretary shall allow at least one supervised visit between the child and the parent or parents within such time period as the child is in protective custody. The court may prohibit such supervised visit if the court determines it is not in the best interest of the child.
(c) (1) Whenever the court determines the necessity for an order of protective custody, the court may place the child in the protective custody of:
(A) A parent or other person having custody of the child and may enter a restraining order pursuant to subsection (e);
(B) a person, other than the parent or other person having custody, who shall not be required to be licensed under article 5 of chapter 65 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto;
(C) a youth residential facility;
(D) a shelter facility; or
(E) the secretary, if the child is 15 years of age or younger, or 16 or 17 years of age if the child has no identifiable parental or family resources or shows signs of physical, mental, emotional or sexual abuse.
(2) If the secretary presents the court with a plan to provide services to a child or family which the court finds will assure the safety of the child, the court may only place the child in the protective custody of the secretary until the court finds the services are in place. The court shall have the authority to require any person or entity agreeing to participate in the plan to perform as set out in the plan. When the child is placed in the protective custody of the secretary, the secretary shall have the discretionary authority to place the child with a parent or to make other suitable placement for the child. When the child is presently alleged, but not yet adjudicated, to be a child in need of care solely pursuant to subsection (d)(9) or (d)(10) of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2202, and amendments thereto, the child may be placed in a juvenile detention facility or other secure facility pursuant to an order of protective custody for a period of not to exceed 24 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays.
(d) The order of protective custody shall be served pursuant to subsection (a) of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2237, and amendments thereto, on the child's parents and any other person having legal custody of the child. The order shall prohibit the removal of the child from the court's jurisdiction without the court's permission.
(e) If the court issues an order of protective custody, the court may also enter an order restraining any alleged perpetrator of physical, sexual, mental or emotional abuse of the child from residing in the child's home; visiting, contacting, harassing or intimidating the child, other family member or witness; or attempting to visit, contact, harass or intimidate the child, other family member or witness. Such restraining order shall be served by personal service pursuant to subsection (a) of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2237, and amendments thereto, on any alleged perpetrator to whom the order is directed.
(f) (1) The court shall not enter an order removing a child from the custody of a parent pursuant to this section unless the court first finds probable cause that: (A)(i) the child is likely to sustain harm if not immediately removed from the home;
(ii) allowing the child to remain in home is contrary to the welfare of the child; or
(iii) immediate placement of the child is in the best interest of the child; and
(B) reasonable efforts have been made to maintain the family unit and prevent the unnecessary removal of the child from the child's home or that an emergency exists which threatens the safety to the child.
(2) Such findings shall be included in any order entered by the court. If the child is placed in the custody of the secretary, the court shall provide the secretary with a written copy of any orders entered upon making the order.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 37; L. 2009, ch. 99, § 4; July 1.
(b) A hearing pursuant to this section shall be held within 72 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, following a child having been taken into protective custody.
(c) Whenever it is determined that a temporary custody hearing is required, the court shall immediately set the time and place for the hearing. Notice of a temporary custody hearing shall be given to all parties and interested parties.
(d) Notice of the temporary custody hearing shall be given at least 24 hours prior to the hearing. The court may continue the hearing to afford the 24 hours prior notice or, with the consent of the party or interested party, proceed with the hearing at the designated time. If an order of temporary custody is entered and the parent or other person having custody of the child has not been notified of the hearing, did not appear or waive appearance and requests a rehearing, the court shall rehear the matter without unnecessary delay.
(e) Oral notice may be used for giving notice of a temporary custody hearing where there is insufficient time to give written notice. Oral notice is completed upon filing a certificate of oral notice.
(f) The court may enter an order of temporary custody after determining there is probable cause to believe that the: (1) Child is dangerous to self or to others; (2) child is not likely to be available within the jurisdiction of the court for future proceedings; or (3) health or welfare of the child may be endangered without further care.
(g) (1) Whenever the court determines the necessity for an order of temporary custody the court may place the child in the temporary custody of:
(A) A parent or other person having custody of the child and may enter a restraining order pursuant to subsection (h);
(B) a person, other than the parent or other person having custody, who shall not be required to be licensed under article 5 of chapter 65 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto;
(C) a youth residential facility;
(D) a shelter facility; or
(E) the secretary, if the child is 15 years of age or younger, or 16 or 17 years of age if the child has no identifiable parental or family resources or shows signs of physical, mental, emotional or sexual abuse.
(2) If the secretary presents the court with a plan to provide services to a child or family which the court finds will assure the safety of the child, the court may only place the child in the temporary custody of the secretary until the court finds the services are in place. The court shall have the authority to require any person or entity agreeing to participate in the plan to perform as set out in the plan. When the child is placed in the temporary custody of the secretary, the secretary shall have the discretionary authority to place the child with a parent or to make other suitable placement for the child. When the child is presently alleged, but not yet adjudicated to be a child in need of care solely pursuant to subsection (d)(9) or (d)(10) of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2202, and amendments thereto, the child may be placed in a juvenile detention facility or other secure facility, but the total amount of time that the child may be held in such facility under this section and K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2242, and amendments thereto, shall not exceed 24 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. The order of temporary custody shall remain in effect until modified or rescinded by the court or an adjudication order is entered but not exceeding 60 days, unless good cause is shown and stated on the record.
(h) If the court issues an order of temporary custody, the court may also enter an order restraining any alleged perpetrator of physical, sexual, mental or emotional abuse of the child from residing in the child's home; visiting, contacting, harassing or intimidating the child; or attempting to visit, contact, harass or intimidate the child, other family members or witnesses. Such restraining order shall be served by personal service pursuant to subsection (a) of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2237, and amendments thereto, on any alleged perpetrator to whom the order is directed.
(i) (1) The court shall not enter an order removing a child from the custody of a parent pursuant to this section unless the court first finds probable cause that: (A)(i) the child is likely to sustain harm if not immediately removed from the home;
(ii) allowing the child to remain in home is contrary to the welfare of the child; or
(iii) immediate placement of the child is in the best interest of the child; and
(B) reasonable efforts have been made to maintain the family unit and prevent the unnecessary removal of the child from the child's home or that an emergency exists which threatens the safety to the child.
(2) Such findings shall be included in any order entered by the court. If the child is placed in the custody of the secretary, upon making the order the court shall provide the secretary with a written copy.
(j) If the court enters an order of temporary custody that provides for placement of the child with a person other than the parent, the court shall make a child support determination pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2277, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 38; L. 2008, ch. 169, § 7; L. 2009, ch. 99, § 5; July 1.
(b) An order for informal supervision may remain in force for a period of up to six months and may be extended, upon hearing, for an additional six-month period for a total of one year. For a child under an order for informal supervision who remains in the custody of such child's parent, such one-year period may be extended if no party objects, upon hearing, for up to an additional one year, with reviews by the court occurring at least every six months.
(c) The court after notice and hearing may revoke or modify the order with respect to a party or interested party upon a showing that the party or interested party, being subject to the order for informal supervision, has substantially failed to comply with the terms of the order, or that modification would be in the best interests of the child. Upon revocation, proceedings shall resume pursuant to this code.
(d) Persons subject to the order for informal supervision who successfully complete the terms and period of supervision shall not again be proceeded against in any court based solely upon the allegations in the original petition and the proceedings shall be dismissed.
(e) If the court issues an order for informal supervision pursuant to this section, the court may also enter an order restraining any alleged perpetrator of physical, mental or emotional abuse or sexual abuse of the child from residing in the child's home, visiting, contacting, harassing or intimidating the child, other family member or witness; or attempting to visit, contact, harass or intimidate the child, other family member or witness. The restraining order shall be served by personal service pursuant to subsection (a) of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2237, and amendments thereto, on any alleged perpetrator to whom the order is directed.
(f) Lack of service on a parent shall not preclude an informal supervision under the provisions of this section. If an order of informal supervision is entered which effects change in custody, any parent not served pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2237, and amendments thereto, who has not consented to the informal supervision, may request reconsideration of the order of informal supervision. The court shall hear the request without unnecessary delay. If the informal supervision order effects a change in custody, efforts to accomplish service pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2237, and amendments thereto, shall continue.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 39; L. 2008, ch. 169, § 8; July 1.
(b) Upon request of any party or interested party, any other party or interested party shall disclose the names of all potential witnesses.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 40; Jan. 1, 2007.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 41; Jan. 1, 2007.
(1) The court may not exclude the guardian ad litem, parties and interested parties.
(2) Members of the news media shall comply with supreme court rule 10.01.
(b) Disposition. Proceedings pertaining to the disposition of a child adjudicated to be in need of care shall be closed to all persons except the parties, the guardian ad litem, interested parties and their attorneys, officers of the court, a court appointed special advocate and the custodian.
(1) Other persons may be permitted to attend with the consent of the parties or by order of the court, if the court determines that it would be in the best interests of the child or the conduct of the proceedings, subject to such limitations as the court determines to be appropriate.
(2) The court may exclude any person if the court determines that such person's exclusion would be in the best interests of the child or the conduct of the proceedings.
(c) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the court shall permit the attendance at the proceedings of up to two people designated by the parent of the child, both of whom have participated in a parent ally orientation program approved by the judicial administrator.
(1) Such parent ally orientation program shall include, but not be limited to, information concerning the confidentiality of the proceedings; the child and parent's right to counsel; the definitions and jurisdiction pursuant to the Kansas code for care of children; the types and purposes of the hearings; options for informal supervision and dispositions; placement options; the parents' obligation to financially support the child while the child is in the state's custody; obligations of the secretary of social and rehabilitation services; obligations of entities that contract with the department of social and rehabilitation services for family preservation, foster care and adoption; the termination of parental rights; the procedures for appeals; and the basic rules regarding court procedure.
(2) The court may remove the parent's ally or allies from a proceeding if such ally becomes disruptive in the present proceeding or has been found disruptive in a prior proceeding.
(d) Preservation of confidentiality. If information required to be kept confidential by K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2209, and amendments thereto, is to be introduced into evidence and there are persons in attendance who are not authorized to receive the information, the court may exclude those persons during the presentation of the evidence or conduct an in camera inspection of the evidence.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 42; L. 2008, ch. 169, § 9; July 1.
(b) Prior to the acceptance of any stipulation or no contest statement, other than to names, ages, parentage or other preliminary matters, the court shall ask each of the persons listed in subsection (a) the following questions:
(1) Do you understand that you have a right to a hearing on the allegations contained in the petition
(2) Do you understand that you may be represented by an attorney and, if you are a parent and financially unable to employ an attorney, the court will appoint an attorney for you, if you so request
(3) One of the following: (A) Do you understand that a stipulation is an admission that the statements in the petition are true or (B) Do you understand that a no contest statement neither admits nor denies the statement in the petition but allows the court to find that the statements in the petition are true
(4) Do you understand that, if the court accepts your stipulation or no contest statement, you will not be able to appeal that finding, the court may find the child to be a child in need of care and the court will then make further orders as to the care, custody and supervision of the child
(5) Do you understand that, if the court finds the child to be a child in need of care, the court is not bound by any agreement or recommendation of the parties as to disposition and placement of the child
(c) Before accepting a stipulation the court shall find that there is a factual basis for the stipulation.
(d) Before an adjudication based on a no contest statement, the court shall find from a proffer of evidence that there is a factual basis.
(e) In proceedings other than termination of parental rights proceedings under this code if all persons listed in subsection (a) do not stipulate or enter no contest statements, the court shall hear evidence as to those persons, if they are present. The case may proceed by proffer as to persons not present, unless they appear by counsel and have instructed counsel to object.
(f) In evidentiary hearings for termination of parental rights under this code, the case may proceed by proffer as to parties not present, unless they appear by counsel and have instructed counsel to object.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 43; L. 2008, ch. 169, § 10; July 1.
(b) The judge presiding at all hearings under this code shall not consider or rely upon any report not properly admitted according to the rules of evidence, except as provided by K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2219, and amendments thereto.
(c) In any proceeding in which a child less than 13 years of age is alleged to have been physically, mentally or emotionally abused or neglected or sexually abused, a recording of an oral statement of the child, or of any witness less than 13 years of age, made before the proceeding began, is admissible in evidence if:
(1) The court determines that the time, content and circumstances of the statement provide sufficient indicia of reliability;
(2) no attorney for any party or interested party is present when the statement is made;
(3) the recording is both visual and aural and is recorded on film, videotape or by other electronic means;
(4) the recording equipment is capable of making an accurate recording, the operator of the equipment is competent and the recording is accurate and has not been altered;
(5) the statement is not made in response to questioning calculated to lead the child to make a particular statement or is clearly shown to be the child's statement and not made solely as a result of a leading or suggestive question;
(6) every voice on the recording is identified;
(7) the person conducting the interview of the child in the recording is present at the proceeding and is available to testify or be cross-examined by any party or interested party; and
(8) each party or interested party to the proceeding is afforded an opportunity to view the recording before it is offered into evidence.
(d) On motion of any party to a proceeding pursuant to the code in which a child less than 13 years of age is alleged to have been physically, mentally or emotionally abused or neglected or sexually abused, the court may order that the testimony of the child, or of any witness less than 13 years of age, be taken:
(1) In a room other than the courtroom and be televised by closed-circuit equipment in the courtroom to be viewed by the court and the parties and interested parties to the proceeding; or
(2) outside the courtroom and be recorded for showing in the courtroom before the court and the parties and interested parties to the proceeding if:
(A) The recording is both visual and aural and is recorded on film, videotape or by other electronic means;
(B) the recording equipment is capable of making an accurate recording, the operator of the equipment is competent and the recording is accurate and has not been altered;
(C) every voice on the recording is identified; and
(D) each party and interested party to the proceeding is afforded an opportunity to view the recording before it is shown in the courtroom.
(e) At the taking of testimony under subsection (d):
(1) Only an attorney for each party, interested party, the guardian ad litem for the child or other person whose presence would contribute to the welfare and well-being of the child and persons necessary to operate the recording or closed-circuit equipment may be present in the room with the child during the child's testimony;
(2) only the attorneys for the parties may question the child; and
(3) the persons operating the recording or closed-circuit equipment shall be confined to an adjacent room or behind a screen or mirror that permits such person to see and hear the child during the child's testimony, but does not permit the child to see or hear such person.
(f) If the testimony of a child is taken as provided by subsection (d), the child shall not be compelled to testify in court during the proceeding.
(g) (1) Any objection to a recording under subsection (d)(2) that such proceeding is inadmissible must be made by written motion filed with the court at least seven days before the commencement of the adjudicatory hearing. An objection under this subsection shall specify the portion of the recording which is objectionable and the reasons for the objection. Failure to file an objection within the time provided by this subsection shall constitute waiver of the right to object to the admissibility of the recording unless the court, in its discretion, determines otherwise.
(2) The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any objection to admissibility for the reason that the recording has been materially altered.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 44; L. 2007, ch. 57, § 1; Apr. 5.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 45; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) If the court finds that the child is a child in need of care, the court shall enter an order adjudicating the child to be a child in need of care and may proceed to enter other orders as authorized by this code.
(c) A finding that a child subject to this code is a child in need of care shall be entered without undue delay. If the child has been removed from the child's home, an order of adjudication shall be entered as soon as practicable but not more than 60 days from the date of removal unless an order of informal supervision or an order of continuance for good cause has been entered.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 46; L. 2008, ch. 169, § 11; July 1.
(b) A person participating in a conference pursuant to this section shall have immunity from any civil liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed as a result of the person's participation.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 47; Jan. 1, 2007.
(1) Case planning which sets forth the responsibilities and timelines necessary to achieve permanency for the child; and
(2) custody of the child.
(b) An order of disposition may be entered at the time of the adjudication if notice has been provided pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2254, and amendments thereto, but shall be entered within 30 days following adjudication, unless delayed for good cause shown.
(c) If the dispositional hearing meets the requirements of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2265, and amendments thereto, the dispositional hearing may serve as a permanency hearing.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 48; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) The court shall require notice and the right to be heard as to proposals for living arrangements for the child, the services to be provided the child and the child's family, and the proposed permanency goal for the child to the following:
(1) The child's foster parent or parents or permanent custodian providing care for the child;
(2) preadoptive parents for the child, if any;
(3) the child's grandparents at their last known addresses or if no grandparent is living or if no living grandparent's address is known, to the closest relative of each of the child's parents whose address is known;
(4) the person having custody of the child; and
(5) upon request, by any person having close emotional ties with the child and who is deemed by the court to be essential to the deliberations before the court.
(c) The notice required by this subsection shall be given by first class mail, not less than 10 business days before the hearing.
(d) Individuals receiving notice pursuant to subsection (b) shall not be made a party or interested party to the action solely on the basis of this notice and the right to be heard. The right to be heard shall be at a time and in a manner determined by the court and does not confer an entitlement to appear in person at government expense.
(e) The provisions of this subsection shall not require additional notice to any person otherwise receiving notice of the hearing pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2239, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 49; L. 2008, ch. 169, § 12; July 1.
(1) The child's physical, mental and emotional condition;
(2) the child's need for assistance;
(3) the manner in which the parent participated in the abuse, neglect or abandonment of the child;
(4) any relevant information from the intake and assessment process; and
(5) the evidence received at the dispositional hearing.
(b) Placement with a parent. The court may place the child in the custody of either of the child's parents subject to terms and conditions which the court prescribes to assure the proper care and protection of the child, including, but not limited to:
(1) Supervision of the child and the parent by a court services officer;
(2) participation by the child and the parent in available programs operated by an appropriate individual or agency; and
(3) any special treatment or care which the child needs for the child's physical, mental or emotional health and safety.
(c) Removal of a child from custody of a parent. The court shall not enter an order removing a child from the custody of a parent pursuant to this section unless the court first finds probable cause that: (1)(A) The child is likely to sustain harm if not immediately removed from the home;
(B) allowing the child to remain in home is contrary to the welfare of the child; or
(C) immediate placement of the child is in the best interest of the child; and
(2) reasonable efforts have been made to maintain the family unit and prevent the unnecessary removal of the child from the child's home or that an emergency exists which threatens the safety to the child.
(d) Custody of a child removed from the custody of a parent. If the court has made the findings required by subsection (c), the court shall enter an order awarding custody to a relative of the child or to a person with whom the child has close emotional ties, to any other suitable person, to a shelter facility, to a youth residential facility or, if the child is 15 years of age or younger, or 16 or 17 years of age if the child has no identifiable parental or family resources or shows signs of physical, mental, emotional or sexual abuse, to the secretary. Custody awarded under this subsection shall continue until further order of the court.
(1) When custody is awarded to the secretary, the secretary shall consider any placement recommendation by the court and notify the court of the placement or proposed placement of the child within 10 days of the order awarding custody.
(A) After providing the parties or interested parties notice and opportunity to be heard, the court may determine whether the secretary's placement or proposed placement is contrary to the welfare or in the best interests of the child. In making that determination the court shall consider the health and safety needs of the child and the resources available to meet the needs of children in the custody of the secretary. If the court determines that the placement or proposed placement is contrary to the welfare or not in the best interests of the child, the court shall notify the secretary, who shall then make an alternative placement.
(B) The secretary may propose and the court may order the child to be placed in the custody of a parent or parents if the secretary has provided and the court has approved an appropriate safety action plan which includes services to be provided. The court may order the parent or parents and the child to perform tasks as set out in the safety action plan.
(2) The custodian designated under this subsection shall notify the court in writing at least 10 days prior to any planned placement with a parent. The written notice shall state the basis for the custodian's belief that placement with a parent is no longer contrary to the welfare or best interest of the child. Upon reviewing the notice, the court may allow the custodian to proceed with the planned placement or may set the date for a hearing to determine if the child shall be allowed to return home. If the court sets a hearing on the matter, the custodian shall not return the child home without written consent of the court.
(3) The court may grant any person reasonable rights to visit the child upon motion of the person and a finding that the visitation rights would be in the best interests of the child.
(4) The court may enter an order restraining any alleged perpetrator of physical, mental or emotional abuse or sexual abuse of the child from residing in the child's home; visiting, contacting, harassing or intimidating the child, other family member or witness; or attempting to visit, contact, harass or intimidate the child, other family member or witness. Such restraining order shall be served by personal service pursuant to subsection (a) of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2237, and amendments thereto, on any alleged perpetrator to whom the order is directed.
(5) The court shall provide a copy of any orders entered within 10 days of entering the order to the custodian designated under this subsection.
(e) Further determinations regarding a child removed from the home. If custody has been awarded under subsection (d) to a person other than a parent, a permanency plan shall be provided or prepared pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2264, and amendments thereto. If a permanency plan is provided at the dispositional hearing, the court may determine whether reintegration is a viable alternative or, if reintegration is not a viable alternative, whether the child should be placed for adoption or a permanent custodian appointed. In determining whether reintegration is a viable alternative, the court shall consider:
(1) Whether a parent has been found by a court to have committed one of the following crimes or to have violated the law of another state prohibiting such crimes or to have aided and abetted, attempted, conspired or solicited the commission of one of these crimes: Murder in the first degree, K.S.A. 21-3401, and amendments thereto, murder in the second degree, K.S.A. 21-3402, and amendments thereto, capital murder, K.S.A. 21-3439, and amendments thereto, voluntary manslaughter, K.S.A. 21-3403, and amendments thereto, or a felony battery that resulted in bodily injury;
(2) whether a parent has subjected the child or another child to aggravated circumstances;
(3) whether a parent has previously been found to be an unfit parent in proceedings under this code or in comparable proceedings under the laws of another state or the federal government;
(4) whether the child has been in extended out of home placement;
(5) whether the parents have failed to work diligently toward reintegration;
(6) whether the secretary has provided the family with services necessary for the safe return of the child to the home; and
(7) whether it is reasonable to expect reintegration to occur within a time frame consistent with the child's developmental needs.
(f) Proceedings if reintegration is not a viable alternative. If the court determines that reintegration is not a viable alternative, proceedings to terminate parental rights and permit placement of the child for adoption or appointment of a permanent custodian shall be initiated unless the court finds that compelling reasons have been documented in the case plan why adoption or appointment of a permanent custodian would not be in the best interests of the child. If compelling reasons have not been documented, the county or district attorney shall file a motion within 30 days to terminate parental rights or a motion to appoint a permanent custodian within 30 days and the court shall hold a hearing on the motion within 90 days of its filing. No hearing is required when the parents voluntarily relinquish parental rights or consent to the appointment of a permanent custodian.
(g) Additional Orders. In addition to or in lieu of any other order authorized by this section:
(1) The court may order the child and the parents of any child who has been adjudicated a child in need of care to attend counseling sessions as the court directs. The expense of the counseling may be assessed as an expense in the case. No mental health provider shall charge a greater fee for court-ordered counseling than the provider would have charged to the person receiving counseling if the person had requested counseling on the person's own initiative.
(2) If the court has reason to believe that a child is before the court due, in whole or in part, to the use or misuse of alcohol or a violation of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 21-36a01 through 21-36a17, and amendments thereto, by the child, a parent of the child, or another person responsible for the care of the child, the court may order the child, parent of the child or other person responsible for the care of the child to submit to and complete an alcohol and drug evaluation by a qualified person or agency and comply with any recommendations. If the evaluation is performed by a community-based alcohol and drug safety program certified pursuant to K.S.A. 8-1008, and amendments thereto, the child, parent of the child or other person responsible for the care of the child shall pay a fee not to exceed the fee established by that statute. If the court finds that the child and those legally liable for the child's support are indigent, the fee may be waived. In no event shall the fee be assessed against the secretary.
(3) If child support has been requested and the parent or parents have a duty to support the child, the court may order one or both parents to pay child support and, when custody is awarded to the secretary, the court shall order one or both parents to pay child support. The court shall determine, for each parent separately, whether the parent is already subject to an order to pay support for the child. If the parent is not presently ordered to pay support for any child who is subject to the jurisdiction of the court and the court has personal jurisdiction over the parent, the court shall order the parent to pay child support in an amount determined under K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2277, and amendments thereto. Except for good cause shown, the court shall issue an immediate income withholding order pursuant to K.S.A. 23-4,105 et seq., and amendments thereto, for each parent ordered to pay support under this subsection, regardless of whether a payor has been identified for the parent. A parent ordered to pay child support under this subsection shall be notified, at the hearing or otherwise, that the child support order may be registered pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2279, and amendments thereto. The parent shall also be informed that, after registration, the income withholding order may be served on the parent's employer without further notice to the parent and the child support order may be enforced by any method allowed by law. Failure to provide this notice shall not affect the validity of the child support order.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 50; L. 2009, ch. 99, § 6; L. 2009, ch. 143, § 16; July 1.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 51; Jan. 1, 2007.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 52; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) The notice shall state the placement to which the secretary plans to transfer the child and the reason for the proposed action. The notice shall be mailed by first class mail 30 days in advance of the planned transfer, except that the secretary shall not be required to wait 30 days to transfer the child if all persons enumerated in subsection (a) (2) through (5) consent in writing to the transfer.
(c) Within 10 days after receipt of the notice, any person receiving notice as provided above may request, either orally or in writing, that the court conduct a hearing to determine whether or not the change in placement is in the best interests of the child concerned. When the request has been received, the court shall schedule a hearing and immediately notify the secretary of the request and the time and date the matter will be heard. The court shall give notice of the hearing to persons enumerated in subsection (a) (2) through (5). The secretary shall not change the placement of the child, except for the purpose of adoption, unless the change is approved by the court.
(d) When, after the notice set out above, a child in the custody of the secretary is removed from the home of a parent after having been placed in the home of a parent for a period of six months or longer, the secretary shall request a finding that: (1)(A) The child is likely to sustain harm if not immediately removed from the home;
(B) allowing the child to remain in home is contrary to the welfare of the child; or
(C) immediate placement of the child is in the best interest of the child; and
(2) reasonable efforts have been made to maintain the family unit and prevent the unnecessary removal of the child from the child's home or that an emergency exists which threatens the safety to the child.
(e) The secretary shall present to the court in writing the efforts to maintain the family unit and prevent the unnecessary removal of the child from the child's home. In making the findings, the court may rely on documentation submitted by the secretary or may set the date for a hearing on the matter. If the secretary requests such finding, the court, not more than 45 days from the date of the request, shall provide the secretary with a written copy of the findings by the court for the purpose of documenting these orders.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 53; L. 2008, ch. 169, § 13; July 1.
(b) The court shall not enter an order approving the removal of a child from the home of a parent pursuant to this section unless the court first finds probable cause that: (1)(A) The child is likely to sustain harm if not immediately removed from the home;
(B) allowing the child to remain in home is contrary to the welfare of the child; or
(C) immediate placement of the child is in the best interest of the child; and
(2) reasonable efforts have been made to maintain the family unit and prevent the unnecessary removal of the child from the child's home or that an emergency exists which threatens the safety to the child.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 54; L. 2008, ch. 169, § 14; July 1.
(1) The child and the child's guardian ad litem are present in court when the order is entered;
(2) the court finds that the child has been adjudicated a child in need of care pursuant to subsections (d)(6), (d)(7), (d)(8), (d)(9), (d)(10) or (d)(12) of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2202, and amendments thereto, and that the child is not likely to be available within the jurisdiction of the court for future proceedings;
(3) the child and the guardian ad litem receive oral and written notice of the consequences of violation of the order; and
(4) a copy of the written notice is filed in the official case file.
(b) Application. Any person may file a verified application for determination that a child has violated an order entered pursuant to subsection (a) and for an order authorizing holding the child in a secure facility or juvenile detention facility. The application shall state the applicant's belief that the child has violated the order entered pursuant to subsection (a) without good cause and the specific facts supporting the allegation.
(c) Ex parte order. After reviewing the application filed pursuant to subsection (b), the court may enter an ex parte order directing that the child be taken into custody and held in a secure facility or juvenile detention facility designated by the court, if the court finds probable cause that the child violated the court's order to remain in placement without good cause. Pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2237, and amendments thereto, the order shall be served on the child's parents, the child's legal custodian and the child's guardian ad litem.
(d) Preliminary hearing. Within 24 hours following a child's being taken into custody pursuant to an order issued under subsection (c), the court shall hold a preliminary hearing to determine whether the child admits or denies the allegations of the application and, if the child denies the allegations, to determine whether probable cause exists to support the allegations.
(1) Notice of the time and place of the preliminary hearing shall be given orally or in writing to the child's parents, the child's legal custodian and the child's guardian ad litem.
(2) At the hearing, the child shall have the right to a guardian ad litem and shall be served with a copy of the application.
(3) If the child admits the allegations or enters a no contest statement and if the court finds that the admission or no contest statement is knowledgeable and voluntary, the court shall proceed without delay to the placement hearing pursuant to subsection (f).
(4) If the child denies the allegations, the court shall determine whether probable cause exists to hold the child in a secure facility or juvenile detention facility pending an evidentiary hearing pursuant to subsection (e). After hearing the evidence, if the court finds that: (A) There is probable cause to believe that the child has violated an order entered pursuant to subsection (a) without good cause; and (B) placement in a secure facility or juvenile detention facility is necessary for the protection of the child or to assure the presence of the child at the evidentiary hearing pursuant to subsection (e), the court may order the child held in a secure facility or juvenile detention facility pending the evidentiary hearing.
(e) Evidentiary hearing. The court shall hold an evidentiary hearing on an application within 72 hours of the child's being taken into custody. Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given orally or in writing to the child's parents, the child's legal custodian and the child's guardian ad litem. At the evidentiary hearing, the court shall determine by a clear and convincing evidence whether the child has:
(1) Violated a court order entered pursuant to subsection (a) without good cause;
(2) been provided at the hearing with the rights enumerated in subsection (d)(2); and
(3) been informed of:
(A) The nature and consequences of the proceeding;
(B) the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses and present evidence;
(C) the right to have a transcript or recording of the proceedings; and
(D) the right to appeal.
(f) Placement. (1) If the child admits violating the order entered pursuant to subsection (a) or if, after an evidentiary hearing, the court finds that the child has violated such an order, the court shall immediately proceed to a placement hearing. The court may enter an order awarding custody of the child to:
(A) A parent or other legal custodian;
(B) a person other than a parent or other person having custody, who shall not be required to be licensed under article 5 of chapter 65 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto;
(C) a youth residential facility; or
(D) the secretary, if the secretary does not already have legal custody of the child.
(2) The court may authorize the custodian to place the child in a secure facility or juvenile detention facility, if the court determines that all other placement options have been exhausted or are inappropriate, based upon a written report submitted by the secretary, if the child is in the secretary's custody, or submitted by a public agency independent of the court and law enforcement, if the child is in the custody of someone other than the secretary. The report shall detail the behavior of the child and the circumstances under which the child was brought before the court and made subject to the order entered pursuant to subsection (a).
(3) The authorization to place the child in a secure facility or juvenile detention facility pursuant to this subsection shall expire 60 days, inclusive of weekend and legal holidays, after its issue. The court may grant extensions of such authorization for two additional periods, each not to exceed 60 days, upon rehearing pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2256, and amendments thereto.
(g) Payment. The secretary shall only pay for placement and services for a child placed in a secure facility or juvenile detention facility pursuant to subsection (f) upon receipt of a valid court order authorizing secure care placement.
(h) Limitations on facilities used. Nothing in this section shall authorize placement of a child in an adult jail or lockup.
(i) Time limits, computation. Except as otherwise specifically provided by subsection (f), Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays shall not be counted in computing any time limit imposed by this section.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 55; L. 2008, ch. 169, § 15; July 1.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 56; Jan. 1, 2007.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 57; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) Whenever a child is subject to the jurisdiction of the court pursuant to the code, an initial permanency plan shall be developed for the child and submitted to the court within 30 days of the initial order of the court. If the child is in the custody of the secretary, or the secretary is providing services to the child, the secretary shall prepare the plan. Otherwise, the plan shall be prepared by the person who has custody or, if directed by the court, by a court services officer.
(c) A permanency plan is a written document prepared, where possible, in consultation with the child's parents and which:
(1) Describes the permanency goal which, if achieved, will most likely give the child a permanent and safe living arrangement;
(2) describes the child's level of physical health, mental and emotional health, and educational functioning;
(3) provides an assessment of the needs of the child and family;
(4) describes the services to be provided the child, the child's parents and the child's foster parents, if appropriate;
(5) includes a description of the tasks and responsibilities designed to achieve the plan and to whom assigned; and
(6) includes measurable objectives and time schedules for achieving the plan.
(d) In addition to the requirements of subsection (c), if the child is in an out of home placement, the permanency plan shall include:
(1) A plan for reintegration of the child's parent or parents or if reintegration is determined not to be a viable alternative, a statement for the basis of that conclusion and a plan for another permanent living arrangement;
(2) a description of the available placement alternatives;
(3) a justification for the placement selected, including a description of the safety and appropriateness of the placement; and
(4) a description of the programs and services which will help the child prepare to live independently as an adult.
(e) If there is a lack of agreement among persons necessary for the success of the permanency plan, the person or entity having custody of the child shall notify the court which shall set a hearing on the plan.
(f) A permanency plan may be amended at any time upon agreement of the plan participants. If a permanency plan requires amendment which changes the permanency goal, the person or entity having custody of the child shall notify the court which shall set a permanency hearing pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2264 and 38-2265, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 58; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) The court or a citizen review board shall hear and the court shall determine whether and, if applicable, when the child will be:
(1) Reintegrated with the child's parents;
(2) placed for adoption;
(3) placed with a permanent custodian; or
(4) if the secretary has documented compelling reasons why it would not be in the child's best interests for a placement in one of the placements pursuant to paragraphs (1), (2) or (3) placed in another planned permanent arrangement.
(c) The court shall enter a finding as to whether the person or entity having custody of the child has made reasonable efforts to accomplish the permanency plan in place at the time of the hearing.
(d) A permanency hearing shall be held within 12 months of the date the court authorized the child's removal from the home and not less frequently than every 12 months thereafter.
(e) If the court determines at any time other than during a permanency hearing that reintegration may not be a viable alternative for the child, a permanency hearing shall be held no later than 30 days following that determination.
(f) When the court finds that reintegration continues to be a viable alternative, the court shall determine whether and, if applicable, when the child will be returned to the parent. The court may rescind any of its prior dispositional orders and enter any dispositional order authorized by this code or may order that a new plan for the reintegration be prepared and submitted to the court. If reintegration cannot be accomplished as approved by the court, the court shall be informed and shall schedule a hearing pursuant to this section. No such hearing is required when the parents voluntarily relinquish parental rights or consent to appointment of a permanent custodian.
(g) If the court finds reintegration is no longer a viable alternative, the court shall consider whether: (1) The child is in a stable placement with a relative; (2) services set out in the case plan necessary for the safe return of the child have been made available to the parent with whom reintegration is planned; or (3) compelling reasons are documented in the case plan to support a finding that neither adoption nor appointment of a permanent custodian are in the child's best interest. If reintegration is not a viable alternative and either adoption or appointment of a permanent custodian might be in the best interests of the child, the county or district attorney or the county or district attorney's designee shall file a motion to terminate parental rights or a motion to appoint a permanent custodian within 30 days and the court shall set a hearing on such motion within 90 days of the filing of such motion.
(h) If the court enters an order terminating parental rights to a child, or an agency has accepted a relinquishment pursuant to K.S.A. 59-2124, and amendments thereto, the requirements for permanency hearings shall continue until an adoption or appointment of a permanent custodian has been accomplished. If the court determines that reasonable efforts or progress have not been made toward finding an adoptive placement or appointment of a permanent custodian or placement with a fit and willing relative, the court may rescind its prior orders and make others regarding custody and adoption that are appropriate under the circumstances. Reports of a proposed adoptive placement need not contain the identity of the proposed adoptive parents.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 59; L. 2008, ch. 169, § 16; July 1.
(b) The court shall require notice and the right to be heard to the following:
(1) The child's foster parent or parents or permanent custodian providing care for the child;
(2) preadoptive parents for the child, if any;
(3) the child's grandparents at their last known addresses or, if no grandparent is living or if no living grandparent's address is known, to the closest relative of each of the child's parents whose address is known;
(4) the person having custody of the child; and
(5) upon request, by any person having close emotional ties with the child and who is deemed by the court to be essential to the deliberations before the court.
(c) The notices required by this subsection shall be given by first class mail, not less than 10 business days before the hearing.
(d) Individuals receiving notice pursuant to subsection (b) shall not be made a party or interested party to the action solely on the basis of this notice and the right to be heard. The right to be heard shall be at a time and in a manner determined by the court and does not confer an entitlement to appear in person at government expense.
(e) The provisions of this section shall not require additional notice to any person otherwise receiving notice of the hearing pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2239, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 60; L. 2008, ch. 169, § 17; July 1.
(b) Whenever a pleading is filed requesting termination of parental rights or appointment of a permanent custodian, the pleading shall contain a statement of specific facts which are relied upon to support the request, including dates, times and locations to the extent known.
(c) In any case in which a parent of a child cannot be located by the exercise of due diligence, service by publication notice shall be ordered upon the parent.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 61; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) (1) The court shall give notice of the hearing: (A) To the parties and interested parties, as provided in K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2236 and 38-2237, and amendments thereto; (B) to all the child's grandparents at their last known addresses or, if no grandparent is living or if no living grandparent's address is known, to the closest relative of each of the child's parents whose address is known; (C) in any case in which a parent of a child cannot be located by the exercise of due diligence, to the parents nearest relative who can be located, if any; and (D) to the foster parents, preadoptive parents or relatives providing care.
(2) This notice shall be given by return receipt delivery not less than 10 business days before the hearing. Individuals receiving notice pursuant to this subsection shall not be made a party or interested party to the action solely on the basis of this notice.
(3) The provisions of this subsection shall not require additional service to any party or interested party who could not be located by the exercise of due diligence in the initial notice of the filing of a petition for a child in need of care.
(c) At the beginning of the hearing the court shall determine that due diligence has been used in determining the identity and location of the persons listed in subsection (b) and in accomplishing service of process.
(d) Prior to a hearing on a petition, a motion requesting termination of parental rights or a motion for appointment of a permanent custodian, the court shall appoint an attorney to represent any parent who fails to appear and may award a reasonable fee to the attorney for services. The fee may be assessed as an expense in the proceedings.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 62; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) Relinquishment of child to secretary. (1) Any parent or parents may relinquish a child to the secretary, and if the secretary accepts the relinquishment in writing, the secretary shall stand in loco parentis to the child and shall have and possess over the child all rights of a parent, including the power to place the child for adoption and give consent thereto.
(2) All relinquishments to the secretary shall be in writing, in substantial conformity with the form for relinquishment contained in the appendix of forms following K.S.A. 59-2143, and amendments thereto, and shall be executed by either parent of the child.
(3) The relinquishment shall be in writing and shall be acknowledged before a judge of a court of record or before an officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments. If the relinquishment is acknowledged before a judge of a court of record, it shall be the duty of the court to advise the relinquishing parent of the consequences of the relinquishment.
(4) Except as otherwise provided, in all cases where a parent has relinquished a child to the agency pursuant to K.S.A. 59-2111 through 59-2143, and amendments thereto, all the rights of the parent shall be terminated, including the right to receive notice in a subsequent adoption proceeding involving the child. Upon such relinquishment, all the rights of the parents to such child, including such parent's right to inherit from or through such child, shall cease.
(5) If a parent has relinquished a child to the secretary based on a belief that the child's other parent would relinquish the child to the secretary or would be found unfit, and this does not occur, the rights of the parent who has relinquished a child to the secretary shall not be terminated.
(6) A parent's relinquishment of a child shall not terminate the right of the child to inherit from or through the parent.
(c) Permanent custody. (1) A parent may consent to appointment of the secretary or an individual as permanent custodian and if the secretary or individual accepts the consent, the secretary or individual shall stand in loco parentis to the child and shall have and possess over the child all the rights of a legal guardian. When the consent is to the secretary, the secretary shall have the right to place the child in the permanent custody of an individual who is appointed permanent custodian.
(2) All consents to appointment of a permanent custodian shall be in writing and shall be executed by either parent of the child.
(3) The consent shall be in writing and shall be acknowledged before a judge of a court of record or before an officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments. If the consent is acknowledged before a judge of a court of record, it shall be the duty of the court to advise the consenting parent of the consequences of the consent.
(4) If a parent has consented to appointment of a permanent custodian based upon a belief that the child's other parent would so consent or would be found unfit, and this does not occur, the consent shall be null and void.
(d) Adoption. If the parental rights of one parent have been terminated or that parent has relinquished parental rights to the secretary, the other parent may consent to the adoption of the child by persons approved by the secretary or approved by the court. The consent shall follow the form contained in the appendix of forms following K.S.A. 59-2143, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 63; L. 2008, ch. 169, § 18; July 1.
(b) In making a determination of unfitness the court shall consider, but is not limited to, the following, if applicable:
(1) Emotional illness, mental illness, mental deficiency or physical disability of the parent, of such duration or nature as to render the parent unable to care for the ongoing physical, mental and emotional needs of the child;
(2) conduct toward a child of a physically, emotionally or sexually cruel or abusive nature;
(3) the use of intoxicating liquors or narcotic or dangerous drugs of such duration or nature as to render the parent unable to care for the ongoing physical, mental or emotional needs of the child;
(4) physical, mental or emotional abuse or neglect or sexual abuse of a child;
(5) conviction of a felony and imprisonment;
(6) unexplained injury or death of another child or stepchild of the parent or any child in the care of the parent at the time of injury or death;
(7) failure of reasonable efforts made by appropriate public or private agencies to rehabilitate the family;
(8) lack of effort on the part of the parent to adjust the parent's circumstances, conduct or conditions to meet the needs of the child; and
(9) whether the child has been in extended out of home placement as a result of actions or inactions attributable to the parent and one or more of the factors listed in subsection (c) apply.
(c) In addition to the foregoing, when a child is not in the physical custody of a parent, the court, shall consider, but is not limited to, the following:
(1) Failure to assure care of the child in the parental home when able to do so;
(2) failure to maintain regular visitation, contact or communication with the child or with the custodian of the child;
(3) failure to carry out a reasonable plan approved by the court directed toward the integration of the child into a parental home; and
(4) failure to pay a reasonable portion of the cost of substitute physical care and maintenance based on ability to pay.
In making the above determination, the court may disregard incidental visitations, contacts, communications or contributions.
(d) A finding of unfitness may be made as provided in this section if the court finds that the parents have abandoned the child, the custody of the child was surrendered pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2282, and amendments thereto, or the child was left under such circumstances that the identity of the parents is unknown and cannot be ascertained, despite diligent searching, and the parents have not come forward to claim the child within three months after the child is found.
(e) If a person is convicted of a felony in which sexual intercourse occurred, or if a juvenile is adjudicated a juvenile offender because of an act which, if committed by an adult, would be a felony in which sexual intercourse occurred, and as a result of the sexual intercourse, a child is conceived, a finding of unfitness may be made.
(f) The existence of any one of the above factors standing alone may, but does not necessarily, establish grounds for termination of parental rights.
(g) (1) If the court makes a finding of unfitness, the court shall consider whether termination of parental rights as requested in the petition or motion is in the best interests of the child. In making the determination, the court shall give primary consideration to the physical, mental and emotional health of the child. If the physical, mental or emotional needs of the child would best be served by termination of parental rights, the court shall so order. A termination of parental rights under the code shall not terminate the right of a child to inherit from or through a parent. Upon such termination all rights of the parent to such child, including, such parent's right to inherit from or through such child, shall cease.
(2) If the court terminates parental rights, the court may authorize adoption pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2270, and amendments thereto, appointment of a permanent custodian pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2272, and amendments thereto, or continued permanency planning.
(3) If the court does not terminate parental rights, the court may authorize appointment of a permanent custodian pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2272, and amendments thereto, or continued permanency planning.
(h) If a parent is convicted of an offense as provided in subsection (a)(7) of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2271, and amendments thereto, or is adjudicated a juvenile offender because of an act which if committed by an adult would be an offense as provided in subsection (a)(7) of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2271, and amendments thereto, and if the victim was the other parent of a child, the court may disregard such convicted or adjudicated parent's opinions or wishes in regard to the placement of such child.
(i) A record shall be made of the proceedings.
(j) When adoption, proceedings to appoint a permanent custodian or continued permanency planning has been authorized, the person or agency awarded custody of the child shall within 30 days submit a written plan for permanent placement which shall include measurable objectives and time schedules.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 64; L. 2008, ch. 169, § 19; July 1.
(1) An order granting custody of the child, for adoption proceedings, to the secretary or a corporation organized under the laws of the state of Kansas authorized to care for and surrender children for adoption as provided in K.S.A. 38-112 et seq., and amendments thereto. The person, secretary or corporation shall have authority to place the child in a family home, and give consent for the legal adoption of the child which shall be the only consent required to authorize the entry of an order or decree of adoption.
(2) An order granting custody of the child to proposed adoptive parents and consenting to the adoption of the child by the proposed adoptive parents.
(b) In making an order under subsection (a), the court shall give preference, to the extent that the court finds it is in the best interests of the child, first to granting such custody for adoption to a relative of the child and second to granting such custody to a person with whom the child has close emotional ties.
(c) Discharge upon adoption. When an adoption decree has been filed with the court in the child in need of care case, the secretary's custody shall cease, the court's jurisdiction over the child shall cease and the court shall enter an order to that effect.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 65; Jan. 1, 2007.
(1) A parent has previously been found to be an unfit parent in proceedings under K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2266 et seq., and amendments thereto, or comparable proceedings under the laws of another jurisdiction;
(2) a parent has twice before been convicted of a crime specified in article 34, 35, or 36 of chapter 21 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto, or comparable offenses under the laws of another jurisdiction, or an attempt or attempts to commit such crimes and the victim was under the age of 18 years;
(3) on two or more prior occasions a child in the physical custody of the parent has been adjudicated a child in need of care as defined by subsection (d)(1),(d)(3), (d)(5) or (d)(11) of K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2202, and amendments thereto, or comparable proceedings under the laws of another jurisdiction.
(4) the parent has been convicted of causing the death of another child or stepchild of the parent;
(5) the child has been in an out-of-home placement, under court order for a cumulative total period of one year or longer and the parent has substantially neglected or willfully refused to carry out a reasonable plan, approved by the court, directed toward reintegration of the child into the parental home;
(6) (A) the child has been in an out-of-home placement, under court order for a cumulative total period of two years or longer; (B) the parent has failed to carry out a reasonable plan, approved by the court, directed toward reintegration of the child into the parental home; and (C) there is a substantial probability that the parent will not carry out such plan in the near future;
(7) a parent has been convicted of capital murder, K.S.A. 21-3439, and amendments thereto, murder in the first degree, K.S.A. 21-3401, and amendments thereto, murder in the second degree, K.S.A. 21-3402, and amendments thereto, or voluntary manslaughter, K.S.A. 21-3403, and amendments thereto, or comparable proceedings under the laws of another jurisdiction or, has been adjudicated a juvenile offender because of an act which if committed by an adult would be an offense as provided in this subsection, and the victim of such murder was the other parent of the child;
(8) a parent abandoned or neglected the child after having knowledge of the child's birth or either parent has been granted immunity from prosecution for abandonment of the child under subsection (b) of K.S.A. 21-3604, and amendments thereto; or
(9) a parent has made no reasonable efforts to support or communicate with the child after having knowledge of the child's birth;
(10) a father, after having knowledge of the pregnancy, failed without reasonable cause to provide support for the mother during the six months prior to the child's birth;
(11) a father abandoned the mother after having knowledge of the pregnancy;
(12) a parent has been convicted of rape, K.S.A. 21-3502, and amendments thereto, or comparable proceedings under the laws of another jurisdiction resulting in the conception of the child; or
(13) a parent has failed or refused to assume the duties of a parent for two consecutive years next preceding the filing of the petition. In making this determination the court may disregard incidental visitations, contacts, communications or contributions.
(b) The burden of proof is on the parent to rebut the presumption of unfitness by a preponderance of the evidence. In the absence of proof that the parent is presently fit and able to care for the child or that the parent will be fit and able to care for the child in the foreseeable future, the court shall terminate parental rights in proceedings pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2266 et seq., and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 66; Jan. 1, 2007.
(1) With the consent and agreement of the parents and approval by the court;
(2) after a finding of unfitness pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2269, and amendments thereto; or
(3) after termination of parental rights pursuant to K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2270, and amendments thereto.
(b) Upon the appointment of a permanent custodian, the secretary's custody of the child shall cease. The court's jurisdiction over the child shall continue unless the court enters an order terminating jurisdiction.
(c) Subject to subsection (d), a permanent custodian shall stand in loco parentis and shall exercise all of the rights and responsibilities of a parent except the permanent custodian shall not:
(1) Consent to an adoption of the child; and
(2) be subject to court ordered child support or medical support.
(d) When the court retains jurisdiction after appointment of a permanent custodian, the court, in its order, may impose limitations or conditions upon the rights and responsibilities of the permanent custodian including, but not limited to, the right to:
(1) Determine contact with the biological parent;
(2) consent to marriage;
(3) consent to psychosurgery, removal of a bodily organ or amputation of a limb;
(4) consent to sterilization;
(5) consent to behavioral and medical experiments;
(6) consent to withholding life-prolonging medical treatment;
(7) consent to placement in a treatment facility; or
(8) consent to placement in a psychiatric hospital or an institution for the developmentally disabled.
(e) Absent a judicial finding of unfitness or court-ordered limitations pursuant to subsection (d), a permanent custodian may share parental responsibilities with a parent of the child as the permanent custodian determines is in the child's best interests. Sharing parental responsibilities does not relieve the permanent custodian of legal responsibility for the child.
(f) Parental consent to appointment of a permanent custodian shall be on the record or executed by the parent of the child and acknowledged before a judge of a court of record. It shall be the duty of the court before which the consent is acknowledged to advise the consenting parent of the consequences of the consent, including the following:
(1) Do you understand that your parental rights are not being terminated and you can be ordered to pay child support and medical support for your child
(2) Do you understand that to get the rights you still have with your child, you must keep the court up to date about how to contact you? This means that the court needs to always have your current address and telephone number.
(3) Do you understand that if your child is ever placed for adoption, the court will try to let you know by using the information you have given them? If your address and telephone number are not up to date, you might not know your child is placed for adoption.
(4) Do you understand that if you want information about your child's health or education, you will have to keep the information you give the court about where you are up to date because the information will be sent to the latest address the court has
(5) Do you understand that you may be able to have some contact with your child, but only if the permanent custodian decides it is in the child's best interests and if the court allows the contact
(6) Do you understand that unless the court orders differently, the permanent custodian has the right to make the following decisions about your child: The amount and type of contact you have with the child; consent to your child's marriage; consent to medical treatment; consent to mental health treatment; consent to placement in a psychiatric hospital or an institution for the developmentally disabled; consent to behavioral and medical experiments; consent to sterilization and consent to withholding life-prolonging medical treatment
(g) (1) A consent is final when executed, unless the parent whose consent is at issue, prior to issuance of the order appointing a permanent custodian, proves by clear and convincing evidence that the consent was not freely and voluntarily given. The burden of proving the consent was not freely and voluntarily given shall rest with that parent.
(2) If a parent has consented to appointment of a permanent custodian based upon a belief that the child's other parent would so consent or would be found unfit, and this does not occur, the consent shall be null and void.
(h) If a permanent custodian is appointed after a judicial finding of parental unfitness without a termination of parental rights, the parent shall retain only the following rights and responsibilities:
(1) The obligation to pay child support and medical support; and
(2) the right to inherit from the child.
(3) The right to consent to adoption of the child.
All other parental rights transfer to the permanent custodian.
(i) If a permanent custodian is appointed after termination of parental rights, the parent retains no right or responsibilities to the child.
(j) Prior to appointing a permanent custodian, the court shall receive and consider an assessment of any potential permanent custodian as provided in K.S.A. 59-2132, and amendments thereto. In making an order appointing a permanent custodian the court shall give preference, to the extent that the court finds it in the child's best interests, to first appointing a permanent custodian who is a relative of the child or second a person with whom the child has close emotional ties.
(k) If permanent custodians are divorced, such custodian's marriage is annulled or the court orders separate maintenance, the court in that case has jurisdiction to make custody determinations between the permanent custodians.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 67; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) An appeal from an order entered by a district magistrate judge shall be to a district judge. The appeal shall be heard on the basis of the record within 30 days from the date the notice of appeal is filed. If no record was made of the proceedings, the trial shall be de novo.
(c) Procedure on appeal shall be governed by article 21 of chapter 60 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, appeals under this section shall have priority over all other cases.
(e) Every notice of appeal, docketing statement and brief shall be verified by the appellant if the appellant has been personally served at any time during the proceedings. Failure to have the required verification shall result in the dismissal of the appeal.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 68; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) The court on appeal, pending a hearing, may modify the order appealed from and may make any temporary orders concerning the care and custody of the child that the court considers advisable.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 69; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) When the court orders the fees and expenses assessed against a party or interested party, such fees shall be paid from the county general fund, subject to reimbursement by the party or interested party against whom the fees were assessed. The county may enforce the order as a civil judgment, except the county shall not be required to pay the docket fee or fee for execution.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 70; Jan. 1, 2007.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 71; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) If the appropriate amount of support under the Kansas child support guidelines cannot be determined because any necessary fact is not proven by evidence or by stipulation of the appropriate parent, the court shall apply one or more of the following presumptions:
(1) Both parents have only gross earned income equal to 40 hours per week at the federal minimum wage then in effect;
(2) neither parent's income is subject to adjustment for any reason;
(3) the number of children is as alleged in the petition;
(4) the age of each child is as alleged in the petition or, if unknown, is between seven and 15 years;
(5) no adjustment for child care, health or dental insurance or income tax exemption is appropriate; or
(6) neither parent is entitled to any other credit or adjustment.
(c) If the county or district attorney determines that: (1) A parent will contest the amount of support resulting from application of the guidelines; (2) the parent is or may be entitled to an adjustment pursuant to the guidelines; and (3) it is in the child's best interests to resolve the support issue promptly and with minimal hostility, the county or district attorney may enter into a stipulation with the parent as to the amount of child support for that parent. The amount of support may be based upon one or more of the presumptions in subsection (b). Except for good cause or as otherwise provided in K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 38-2279, and amendments thereto, a stipulation under this subsection shall be binding upon the court and all parties or interested parties. The criteria for application of this subsection shall be incorporated into the journal entry or judgment form.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 72; Jan. 1, 2007.
"In the matter of ____________________ and ____________________"
(obligee's name) (obligor's name)
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 73; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) If the number assigned to a case under the code
appears in the caption of a document filed pursuant to this section, the clerk
of the district court may
obliterate that number and replace it with the new case number assigned
pursuant to this section.
(c) The filing of the child support order shall constitute registration under
this section. Upon
registration of the child support order, all matters related to that order,
including, but not limited to,
modification of the order, shall proceed under the new case number.
Registration of a child support
order under this section does not confer jurisdiction in the registration case
for custody or visitation
issues.
(d) The person registering a child support order shall serve a copy of the
registered child
support order and income withholding order, if any, upon the party or
interested parties by first-class
mail. The person registering the child support order shall file, in the
official file for each
child affected, either a copy of the registered order showing the new case
number or a statement that
includes the caption, new case number and date of registration of the child
support order.
(e) If the secretary is entitled to receive payment under an order which may
be registered under this section, the county or district attorney shall take
the actions permitted or required in
subsections (a) and (d) on behalf of the secretary, unless otherwise requested
by the secretary.
(f) A child support order registered pursuant to this section shall have the
same force and
effect as an original child support order entered under chapter 60 of the
Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto,
including, but not limited to:
(1) The registered order shall become a lien on the real estate of the
judgment debtor in the
county from the date of registration;
(2) execution or other action to enforce the registered order may be had from
the date of
registration;
(3) the registered order may itself be registered pursuant to any law,
including, but not limited
to, the uniform interstate family support act, K.S.A. 23-9,101 et seq.,
and amendments
thereto;
(4) if any installment of support due under the registered order becomes a
dormant judgment,
it may be revived pursuant to K.S.A. 60-2404, and amendments thereto; and
(5) the court shall have continuing jurisdiction over the child support
action and the parties
thereto and subject matter and, except as otherwise provided in subsection (g),
may modify any prior
support order when a material change in circumstances is shown irrespective of
the present domicile
of the child or parents. The court may make a modification of child support
retroactive to a date at
least one month after the date that the motion to modify was filed with the
court.
(g) If a motion to modify the child support order is filed within three
months after the date
of registration pursuant to this section, if no motion to modify the order has
previously been heard
and if the moving party shows that the support order was based upon one or more
of the
presumptions provided in
K.S.A. 2009 Supp.
38-2277, and amendments thereto, or
upon a
stipulation pursuant to subsection (c) of
K.S.A. 2009 Supp.
38-2277, and
amendments thereto,
the court shall apply the Kansas child support
guidelines adopted pursuant to K.S.A. 20-165, and amendments thereto, without
requiring a showing
that a material change of circumstances has occurred, without regard to any
previous presumption
or stipulation used to determine the amount of the child support order and
irrespective of the present
domicile of the child or parents. Nothing in this subsection shall prevent or
limit enforcement of the
support order during the three months after the date of registration.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 74; Jan. 1, 2007.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 75; Jan. 1, 2007.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 76; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) A parent or other person having lawful custody of an infant which is 45
days old or
younger and which has not suffered bodily harm may surrender physical custody
of the infant to any
employee who is on duty at a fire station, city or county health department or
medical care facility
as defined by K.S.A. 65-425, and amendments thereto. Such employee shall take
physical custody
of an infant surrendered pursuant to this section.
(c) As soon as possible after a person takes physical custody of an infant
under this section,
such person shall notify a local law enforcement agency that the person has
taken physical custody
of an infant pursuant to this section. Upon receipt of such notice a law
enforcement officer from such
law enforcement agency shall take custody of the infant as an abandoned child.
The law enforcement
agency shall deliver the infant to a facility or person designated by the
secretary
pursuant to
K.S.A. 2009 Supp.
38-2232, and amendments
thereto.
(d) Any person, city or county or agency thereof or medical care facility
taking physical
custody of an infant surrendered pursuant to this section shall perform any act
necessary to protect
the physical health or safety of the infant, and shall be immune from liability
for any injury to the
infant that may result therefrom.
(e) Upon request, all medical records of the infant shall be made available
to the department
of social and rehabilitation services and given to the person awarded custody
of
such infant. The medical
facility providing such records shall be immune from liability for such
records release.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 77; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) If a right is acquired, extinguished or barred upon the expiration of a
prescribed period that has commenced to run under any other statute before
January 1, 2007, that statute continues to apply to the right, even if it has
been repealed or superceded.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 78; Jan. 1, 2007.