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 in their hometowns. 

 

Here are 5 ways to boost child advocacy now through December:

Tune in for interim committee meetings

The General Assembly meets for Interim Joint Committee meetings and other working groups in June through December to hear updates on past legislation, learn more about issues likely to be priorities in the upcoming session, and gather insights into the status of various government programs. 

Host a site visit for your elected officials

Kentucky’s General Assembly is made up of part-time legislators, which means they are in their home communities throughout the interim. This interim period is a key time to connect with your state Senator and Representative – and other elected officials! – to “get to know them before you need them.”

  • Look up who your state Senator and Representative are and how to contact them. 
  • Invite elected officials to visit your nonprofit organization or business to understand the important role you play in the community and how their decisions impact you and those you serve. 
  • Maintain a connection with your elected officials – reach out with resources or information they may find helpful, to say thank you for speaking up on issues you care about, and to just be a friendly neighbor. Relationships are key!

Review the latest national KIDS COUNT Data Book

Kentucky Youth Advocates and the Annie E. Casey Foundation recently co-released the latest child well-being data in the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book. While progress was made on eight of the 16 indicators over a five-year period in Kentucky, the data shows sustained challenges in educational outcomes, an increase in child deaths, a drop in health insurance coverage after pandemic-era enhancements ended, and a high housing cost burden among families. 

Share this data and your key takeaways with your legislators!

Strengthen your advocacy skills 

The interim period is also a key time to build and flex your advocacy skills so you are ready to take action when the General Assembly heads back to Frankfort for the regular session in January. KYA offers several training opportunities for organizational staff, boards, and young people. 

Request an Advocacy 101 or Data Deep Dive training – learn more about KYA’s speaking engagement and training opportunities here.

Stay plugged into Kentucky Youth Advocates 

Throughout the interim, KYA’s team is gathering stories, researching best practices and policies, analyzing the latest data, and engaging with advocates across the Commonwealth – and there are a number of ways to stay plugged in!