TOPEKA — A Kansas foster care and family preservation contractor says it has begun an internal review of allegations raised in a federal lawsuit that one of its caseworkers sexually harassed and coerced a mother seeking to regain custody of her children.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that St. Francis Community Services President and CEO Robert Smith discussed the allegations in a statement released Friday. The statement says St. Francis strives to “protect any individual entrusted to our care.”
The statement comes after the organization initially declined to comment, citing an open investigation.
A Sedgwick County woman is suing St. Francis and a former employee, accusing him of taking advantage of his authority over her. The lawsuit says chronic insufficient staffing led to inadequate supervision. The woman is seeking $75,000 in damages.
