Fictive Kin-with circleEach legislative session there’s a special moment that advocates (on behalf of kids) can celebrate: The moment when the first Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children bill heads to the Governor’s desk.

This week we had that moment, as HB 180 passed the Senate. That bill, sponsored by Representative Addia Wuchner, unanimously passed both chambers and will allow close family friends—also known as fictive kin—to serve as kinship caregivers. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services will be allowed to call on one of those close family friends when they have to remove a child from her or his home due to abuse or neglect. This means that on what may be a child’s worst day, they will be able to turn to an adult they know, trust, and feel safe with.

Helping children find a safe, loving home during a time of potentially traumatic transition is an effort we can all rally behind—and an effort supported by the entire General Assembly, which we can applaud.

Advocates, thank you. Bill champions—including First Lady Glenna Bevin, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, and Representative Wuchner—thank you. Legislators, thank you.

Kentucky kids count on us to keep them safe, and with this bill we have proven ourselves worthy of their trust.

Stay up-to-date on the progress of other Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children legislative priorities on the Kentucky General Assembly Bill Tracker HERE.