The Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services awarded the Kaw Valley Center the foster care contract that had been held by the Kansas Children's Service League.

KCSL is currently the statewide adoption agency who 13 News works with in our Wednesday's Child program with Lori Hutchinson. The company also handles foster care for the Topeka area, but that's about to change and it means a big shake up for the company.

The Kansas Children Service League submitted a bid to retain the Topeka area foster care services around six months ago.

Sandra Hazlett of The Social and Rehabilitation Services says, "They've done good work but we got a better demonstration and proposal from any other contractor."

SRS says Kaw Valley Center outbid KCSL for the Topeka area contract that will change hands July 1.

KCLS President and CEO Clark Luster says, "Obviously, we will need cut backs for KCSL after July 1, 2005.

He says his budget will be cut from around $55 million to $13.5 million in July meaning around 242 of his 382 employees will be effected by the contract loss.

"Ninety-nine percent of the employees at the KCSL could be or will be employed by other contract agencies," said Luster.

He says the company is now in the transition process. “The children and families that are our responsibility now will transfer to them and then the new cases will go to the other company," says Luster.

KCSL will retain its statewide adoption contract and continue its partnership with 13 News in finding homes for adoptive children.

Luster says, "Lot's of kids have been adopted because of the work that you and others have done and that shouldn't change."

KCSL is exploring other child welfare opportunities including expanding its child abuse services. The new contract takes effect July 1, 2005.