What are you most proud of in your 20-year tenure at KYA? When I came to KYA in 2005, I was struck and actually angered that the aspiration of the broader child advocacy community was simply to make a lot of noise. What’s that Texas phrase?” “All hat. No cattle.” Have a rally. Hold a press conference. Wave some signs. And … literally, no one ever talked about winning. Instead, [...]
While we’re still reflecting on the wins, missed opportunities, and conundrums surrounding kid-related policies during the 2026 Kentucky General Assembly – in terms of legislation and the biennial state budget – Kentucky Youth Advocates is eagerly looking ahead to this interim period and planning for the 2027 legislative session. Child advocacy efforts continue through the interim in Frankfort and across the Commonwealth as the General Assembly regularly meets and connects with constituents [...]
Contact: Mara Powell | mpowell@kyyouth.org | 502-895-8167 X122 Kentucky Ranks 36th in 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book as Kentucky Youth Advocates Urges Deepened Focus on How Kids and Families Fare Annual National Report on Child Well-Being Shows Progress and Gaps for Kentucky LOUISVILLE, KY — Kentucky ranks 36th in child well-being, according to the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book, a 50-state report of recent data developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation analyzing how kids [...]
On track for impact? A new tool for measuring progress and the impact of opioid abatement funds for kids and families. Kentucky Youth Advocates has launched a new component to the Opioid Data Dashboard on Children and Families, the Kentucky Opioid Data: Change Over Time Progress Report. On more than 20 key measures, community leaders can now see how their county and Area Development District’s data is changing over [...]
What are you most proud of in your nearly 15-year tenure at KYA? Starting at KYA as an intern, I don’t think I could have imagined all of the ways I’ve gotten to engage with Kentuckians across the Commonwealth over the last several years. Getting to know and learn all the ways leaders across Kentucky support and care for kids has been an incredible experience - from hosting regional Family [...]
Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org 502-895-8167 X122 Kentucky Youth Advocates Announces Executive Director Transition; Dr. Shannon Moody to Succeed Dr. Terry Brooks After 21 Years of Leadership Dr. Moody named as incoming leader, bringing nearly 15 years of experience at KYA LOUISVILLE, KY — May 27, 2026 – As Kentucky Youth Advocates approaches its 50th anniversary, the Board of Directors announced today that Dr. Shannon Moody, currently KYA’s Chief Policy & Strategy Officer, will succeed Dr. [...]
New Report – KYA and True Up Examine Education Outcomes of Kentucky Youth with Foster Care Experience Interactive report features key data on outcomes and barriers to success and offers policy recommendations Louisville, KY – Students with foster care experience bring unique strengths and perspectives to our classrooms; they also face trauma and systemic hurdles that can make the climb toward graduation and beyond more difficult. To support more informed, data-driven responses, Kentucky Youth Advocates [...]
By Claire Elmore, Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates While Kentucky’s 2026 legislative session has officially ended, federal lawmakers are still working on important legislation that could strengthen supports for young people with foster care experience. On April 29th, the House Ways and Means Committee unanimously advanced six bipartisan bills to modernize the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood and the Education and Training Voucher program. The six bills [...]
By Hannah Edelen & Guest Writer, Aleah Stigall Aleah Stigall is a 17-year-old senior at Boyle County High School and has a passion for connection. She strives to teach the importance of real relationships with real people, as she shared at the 2026 Town Hall on Kids at Children’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol. Through her personal initiative, “Disconnect To Connect - Let’s Get Real,” Aleah educates her peers [...]
Almost 70% of children under the age of 6 go to some type of formalized child care outside of the home. As a working mom, both of my sons went to licensed child care centers so that I could work. When I was growing up, that is not what I expected. My mother stayed at home with me and my sister until we both entered kindergarten. I was blessed that she was able [...]
