Good Day Kansas – Advocacy with Matt Stephens

In this Good Day Kansas segment, Matt Stevens, Vice President of Advocacy at Saint Francis Ministries, shared insights into the organization’s efforts to support children and families in Kansas. Stevens explained that his role involves evaluating state data, collaborating with program leaders, and advising policymakers to ensure that legislation positively impacts child welfare. He highlighted Kansas’ disproportionately high number of children in foster care—nearly 6,000, compared to an estimated 3,500 for a state of its size. While this number has decreased in recent years, Saint Francis Ministries continues to advocate for policies that further stabilize and right-size the system. Rather than introducing legislation, the organization serves as a trusted expert, offering guidance to lawmakers and identifying potential unintended consequences of proposed laws. Stevens also shared his unique appreciation for engaging with constituents who have concerns about foster care services, emphasizing the importance of listening to real experiences to improve outcomes.