The state of Kansas has a new Child Advocate.
Kerrie Lonard, an attorney with Kansas Legal Services, was named as the leader of the new Division of Child Advocate by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday.
Lonard has been a staff attorney and managing attorney with Kansas Legal Services the past 14 years. Before earning her law degree, she was a school social worker and served in several foster care and child advocate roles.
Kelly announced the office in October to improve the child welfare system and protect children in the process. Among other duties, the division will provide independent oversight and accountability for both public and private entities involved in child welfare matters.
Lonard starts her work Dec. 12.
