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So far Kentucky Youth Advocates has created 946 blog entries.

Statement on Passage of HB 598 by House Families & Children Committee

Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates LOUISVILLE, KY – Kentucky is at a critical point within the system of family legal representation for child welfare proceedings – with concerns around the quality of legal representation being voiced by foster care alumni, birth parents, foster parents, and others in the system. Family and District Court Judges cite low compensation, challenging caseloads, and lack of local attorneys as [...]

By |2026-02-26T10:06:03-05:00February 26th, 2026|Child Welfare & Safety, News Room|

2026 Other Legislative Item House Bill 608

Other Legislative Item House Bill 608 Protect Children from Sexual Abuse Summary HB 608, known as Trey's Law, would declare any nondisclosure or confidentiality agreement or provision void that prohibits the disclosure of an act of sexual abuse. Status HB 608 is sponsored by Representative T.J. Roberts and has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee. Awaiting Committee Hearing

By |2026-02-25T11:52:24-05:00February 25th, 2026|Bill Tracker|

Meeting Basic Needs to Mitigate ACEs

Guest host Shannon Moody is joined by three community leaders to discuss the importance of meeting families’ basic needs in efforts to mitigate Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the intersection with Bloom Kentucky’s state policy priorities. Guests include Lacy Boling, Executive Director, Paducah Cooperative Ministries; Sara Hemingway, Executive Director, Marilyn and William Young Foundation in Owensboro; and Timothy Johnson, President and CEO of the Greater Clark Foundation in Winchester. Learn more about Bloom Kentucky [...]

By |2026-04-08T14:04:49-04:00February 24th, 2026|Podcast|

2026 Blueprint Legislative Priority House Bill 686

Blueprint Legislative Priority Support Positive Youth Development House Bill 686 would establish the Kentucky Positive Youth Development commission and trust fund -- consisting of any incoming social media settlements monies, in addition to state appropriations, gifts, grants, and federal funds -- to support the research and development of positive youth development programming for children and transition age youth. It also establishes a Suicide Awareness and Reduction Network within the State Interagency [...]

By |2026-03-27T13:24:12-04:00February 23rd, 2026|Bill Tracker|

Speaking Up for a Nicotine-Free Future for Kentucky Youth

Over the last decade, vapes have grown rapidly in popularity, especially among youth, as companies like JUUL marketed products with flashy colors and flavors appealing to kids. These practices resulted in a lawsuit and subsequent settlement with JUUL for their role in exposing kids to addictive nicotine products. The Kentucky General Assembly has the opportunity to put those settlement funds to best use with the biggest impact by directing upcoming dollars towards youth nicotine prevention [...]

By |2026-02-18T15:04:06-05:00February 18th, 2026|Blog, Health|

Statement on Passage of SB 74 by Senate Health Services Committee

Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates LOUISVILLE, KY – More than a decade ago, vapes grew rapidly in popularity, especially among youth after companies like JUUL began marketing products with flashy colors and flavors appealing to kids. These practices resulted in a lawsuit and subsequent settlement with JUUL for their role in exposing kids to addictive nicotine products. Today, tobacco and nicotine use among youth continues [...]

By |2026-02-18T09:00:22-05:00February 18th, 2026|Health, News Room|

Statement on Passage of HB 6 by Kentucky House

Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates LOUISVILLE, KY – Representative Samara Heavrin said it best, “House Bill 6 lays the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable child care network.” We’re celebrating this afternoon as this much-needed legislation clears the House with bi-partisan support.  Among its many components, House Bill 6 strengthens access and options to safe, affordable child care for working parents. It removes barriers to [...]

2026 Blueprint Legislative Priority House Bill 598

Blueprint Legislative Priority Strengthen Family Legal Representation House Bill 598, known as the Family Representation and Advocacy Act, would establish the Department of Family Representation and Advocacy as an independent agency to strengthen the quality and consistency of guardians ad litem and other court-appointed counsel in child welfare cases. It would centralize attorney appointment, compensation, training, and oversight and create a commission to oversee the department's work. Review the Blueprint for Kentucky's [...]

By |2026-03-26T15:54:08-04:00February 16th, 2026|Bill Tracker|

2026 Other Legislative Item Senate Bill 156

Other Legislative Item Senate Bill 156 End Child Marriage Summary SB 156 would prohibit marriage with a person under 18 years old and repeal the statute allowing 17-year-olds to marry with court permission. Status SB 156 is sponsored by Senator Julie Raque Adams. It has passed the Kentucky Senate and the House Families & Children Committee. Passed House Committee

By |2026-03-27T13:48:24-04:00February 16th, 2026|Bill Tracker|

2026 Other Legislative Item House Bill 621

Other Legislative Item House Bill 621 Support Special Education Summary HB 621 would require the Kentucky Department of Education to set regulations for the maximum class size and caseload for special education services for children and youth. Status HB 621 is co-sponsored by Representative Tina Bojanowski and Representative Jason Nemes. It has passed the Kentucky House and has been assigned to the Senate Education Committee. Passed KY House [...]

By |2026-03-27T13:41:36-04:00February 16th, 2026|Bill Tracker|
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