Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates

LOUISVILLE, KY – Kentucky has the third highest rate of parental incarceration in the nation, with over 100,000 children having experienced the disruption and trauma of being separated from a parent. The Family Preservation and Accountability Act, co-championed by Senator Julie Raque Adams and Representative Nick Wilson, seeks to hold parents accountable for their actions while minimizing the negative impact of having a parent locked up on children.

Today, we join advocates in celebrating as House Bill 291 advanced out of the House Families and Children Committee, a first step in addressing the shared sentence of incarceration for families.

For non-violent, less serious offenses, expanding the court’s options for community-based alternative sentencing for those who are a primary caregiver keeps families together, supports rehabilitation, and can improve outcomes for both the children and the parent – and ultimately save the state millions of dollars in direct incarceration costs.

With the Bloom Kentucky initiative focused on preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), we applaud Senator Raque Adams and Representative Wilson for their diligent work to promote public safety while considering the overwhelming and long lasting impact incarceration has on Kentucky families. As HB 291 advances to the House floor, we now urge all members of the General Assembly to support this legislation.

Stay up-to-date on Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities and other bills that are good for kids on our Kentucky General Assembly Bill Tracker.

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About Kentucky Youth Advocates
Kentucky Youth Advocates believes all children deserve to be safe, healthy, and secure. As THE independent voice for Kentucky’s children, we work to ensure policymakers create investments and policies that are good for children. Learn more at www.kyyouth.org.