Terry Brooks was joined this week on an Advocate Virtual Forum by Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, who also serves as the Secretary of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, to discuss the future of education and workforce–and more. This is part of a series of conversations where we examine the immediate and long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Kentucky kids and the systems that influence their lives – health care, education, early childhood [...]

Terry Brooks is joined via phone by Nikki Thornton, Director of Program Operations at True Up, and Tia Humphrey, a member of the Voices of the Commonwealth. They discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting young people in or transitioning out of foster care and the supports they need to stay healthy and safe during this time. Join a virtual support group with VOC members every Friday at 3 PM CT/4 PM ET. RSVP [...]

Terry Brooks is joined via phone by Abby Drane, President & CEO of Seven Counties Services and Bellewood & Brooklawn, and Dale Suttles, president of Sunrise Children’s Services. They discuss how their organizations have adjusted to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic and ways they are helping the youth in their care and the families they serve cope with stress and trauma. This is part of a series of conversations where we examine the [...]

Terry Brooks is joined via phone by Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) Deputy Commissioner Elizabeth Caywood and Dr. Jay Miller, Dean of the UK College of Social Work. They discuss the priorities of DCBS during the pandemic, the importance of self-care and wellness of those in the helping professions, and how practices within the child welfare system will be impacted as the commonwealth reopens and recovers from the pandemic. This is part [...]