By: Brandi Woods, a member of KY SEAT

“If it wouldn’t have been for the attorney I had at the time… I may not have gotten custody of my daughter back.”

Every day in Kentucky, loving parents lose custody of their children—not because they’re abusive or dangerous, but because they couldn’t navigate the legal system alone. These are parents battling addiction, trauma, poverty, and judgment. And some of them are fighting without a lawyer who can truly fight and advocate for them.

Real Lives, Real Impact
Even after I was reunited with my daughter, my attorney remained a vital support. I discovered that my CAN (Child Abuse and Neglect) report still listed educational neglect on my record. That could have cost me my job. I called my attorney, and she acted immediately—she got the finding removed from my record quickly, protecting my ability to work and provide for my family. 

That kind of advocacy doesn’t stop in the courtroom. It changes lives.

 Why Legal Representation Matters

  • Family court moves fast. Decisions made in minutes can shape a child’s entire future.
  • Court-appointed attorneys are often overburdened as many carry dozens of cases.
  • Without strong legal help, parents can be silenced, misunderstood and misjudged.

Advocates Make a Difference
A skilled, compassionate attorney can:

  • Push for fair, realistic case plans
  • Ensure support services are delivered
  • Prevent unnecessary delays
  • Tell the whole story—not just the mistakes, but the growth, the progress, and the love

Take Action: Tell Lawmakers to Stand Up for Families
Kentucky needs to prioritize investment in quality legal defense for families. Every parent who is determined to advocate for their child deserves a supportive ally by their side.

I urge my fellow advocates to reach out to their state legislators and tell them to:

“Support improving the legal defense system for families. Protect parental rights. Protect kid’s rights. Help reunite Kentucky families.”

Because no family should be torn apart just because they couldn’t afford a lawyer.

If you are navigating the child welfare system or dealing with dependency, neglect, and abuse court and require further information and support, visit kythrivingfamilies.org. A variety of resources are available for foster youth, foster parents, kinship caregivers, and community partners and providers.