TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - The Kansas agency that investigates child abuse plans to lower the standard of evidence needed to substantiate a claim of abuse or neglect.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports Department for Children and Families Secretary Phyllis Gilmore told state lawmakers Tuesday that the agency will decrease the standard of evidence from "clear and convincing" to "preponderance of the evidence."
The change will not constrain judges, who decide whether to remove a child from a home, but will make it easier for the agency to get individuals accused of abusing or neglecting a child onto a state registry. People placed on the registry are prohibited from working or living in a child care home or facility.
State Sen. Laura Kelly said she would like clear-cut examples of what difference the change in standard of evidence would have made in certain cases.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Couple arrested on drug charges after traffic stop
Hartman sentencing in the hands of judge
Competency evaluation sought for man charged in murder of Seneca priest
New Sabetha city administrator hired
Traffic stop sends driver to DHS custody
Four injured in Friday Jackson Co crash
Update: Atchison boil water advisory lifted
Property damage in DUI leaves Iowa man charged
Multiple crews battle Hoyt area fire
Topeka man arrested after Jackson Co pursuit and manhunt
Hearing set on proposed Nemaha Co Land Development Code
Woman arrested in Jackson Co on meth charge
Grand Opening held for Underground Railroad exhibit in Falls City
KASB to assist USD 415 in search for new Superintendent
Probation for LV woman convicted in child death
Sheriff's Office releases 3rd quarter 2025 patrol statistics
KDOT approves bids for area projects
Pay increase approved for Hiawatha city employees
LATEST STORIES
Shooting near Mayetta being investigated
Enrollment down in Prairie Hills USD 113
Four injured in Friday Jackson Co crash
Seneca City Council approves hiring of new police officer
Falls City Utilities planned power outage
Multiple crews battle Hoyt area fire
Doniphan Co to seek grant again for ADA project
Advance voting underway in Nemaha Co