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Dec. 3, 2021Topeka, Kan. |  By: AP

Kelly names new leader of Kansas Child Advocate division

children

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Gov. Laura Kelly has appointed a Lawrence woman to lead a new division designed to improve the state's child welfare system. Kelly announced Thursday that Kerrie Lonard will be the Kansas Child Advocate.

The governor created the Division of the Child Advocate in October. The independent office will review complaints against Kansas' foster care system and recommend changes in child welfare policies.

Lonard is an attorney who has worked at Kansas Legal Services in Topeka for nearly 14 years. Before that, she was a social worker for five years. Lonard will start on Dec. 12 and will focus first on building the division's structure.