By Carli Mosby, Kentucky Youth Advocates intern Even with the special session to address pension reform expected soon, legislators are looking ahead to the legislative session that will include the crafting and passing of a two-year state budget. As many Kentucky families know firsthand, budgets can be tough. Ensuring that money coming in will cover the necessary costs of life can, at times, be difficult and stressful. Kinship caregivers who have willingly stepped up to [...]

We know that youth in Kentucky are key to creating positive change for kids, and their leadership galvanizes other youth, parents, educators, community leaders, and legislators. In the Kentucky Youth Speak Up series, students advocate for policies, encourage other youth to serve their communities, promote strategies for student success, and motivate all of us to build the best commonwealth for Kentucky kids. In a recent presentation to the House Working Group on Adoption, Cynthia, a member of the [...]

Every kid needs a family and a safe place to call home. When kids can’t live safely with their parents, the next best alternative is to live with a family member. Placement with relatives and close family friends reduces the trauma of separation and sets kids up for a brighter future. On January 27, 2017, the Sixth Circuit Court ruled that the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (Cabinet) must provide foster care maintenance payments to “approved” [...]

First Lady Glenna Bevin recently welcomed current and new members of the First Lady’s Youth Leadership Council (FLYLC) for their fall retreat in Louisville. The FLYLC consists of 18 young people, ranging in age from 13 to 22 years old, from across the commonwealth, including from Covington, Glasgow, Owensboro, Louisville, Franklin, Barbourville, Stanford, Albany, and Hazard. Members of the Council represent a cross-section of Kentucky youth who either have a special interest in advocating for [...]