Contact: Jessie Whitish 502-214-0303 jwhitish@kyyouth.org Statement by Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates The health of Kentucky's kids became as risky as a bet on the Derby with the passage of the American Health Care Act by the House today. There are positives that merit note to be sure. As an example, we appreciate the House's commitment to continue coverage for young adults until the age of 26. That is especially crucial for [...]

Contact: Mara Powell 859-496-5524 mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement by Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates The appointment of Daniel Dumas as Kentucky’s child welfare czar underscores Governor Matt Bevin’s commitment to children and families. This new position carries real potential as a catalyst for change. And we hope that the Governor and the Czar will embrace the call for revolution and not incremental improvement around the child welfare system, be that about adoptions or preserving [...]

Contact: Mara Powell 859-496-5524 mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement by Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates Common sense won in the 6th Circuit Court ruling. And so did kids. All children who are removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect have undergone trauma. And all of them need support from caring and capable adults who have the resources to meet their needs. For too long in Kentucky, we have created a false dichotomy in [...]

Contact: Mara Powell 859-496-5524 mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement by Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates We thank the Kentucky General Assembly for sending SB 120 to Governor Bevin’s desk for signature. SB 120, sponsored by Whitney Westerfield, will help parents who have served their time get back to work, not re-offend, and care for their children after reentry into the community. In Kentucky, 13% of kids have experienced parental incarceration, the highest rate in the [...]