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So far Kentucky Youth Advocates has created 950 blog entries.

Intern Insights: Kids COUNT in Nelson County

by Kelsey Raymer, Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates Situated between Bullitt and Marion Counties, Nelson County is full of deep history, new educational opportunities, and diverse populations. As someone who grew up in the county, the most intriguing phenomenon to experience is the economic division, lack of resource accessibility, and educational growth within the county.  In the Anne E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT analysis of Nelson County, two major indicators stand out. From 2013 to [...]

By |2025-10-09T16:27:46-04:00October 9th, 2025|Blog, Kids Count|

MAHA and Kentucky Kids

Guest host Shannon Moody is joined by Allison Adams, president and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, Bruce Lesley, president of First Focus on Children, and Alicia Whatley, Senior Policy & Advocacy Director at Kentucky Youth Advocates. The advocates discuss the “Make America Healthy Again” movement – nationally and in Kentucky – and the impact on child health and well-being. Thank you to Aetna [...]

By |2025-09-30T17:30:27-04:00October 1st, 2025|Podcast|

Statement on Recent Beshear Administration Update on KTAP

Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates LOUISVILLE, KY – The Governor recently proclaimed September as Kinship Care Awareness Month. Typically, that would mean a time to honor those grandparents, relatives, and close family friends stepping up to care for children. Instead, Kinship Month is wrapping up on a distressing note. We can only hope that it's a case of unintended consequences and this harmful course can be reversed. Just days ago the Governor emphasized [...]

By |2025-09-26T15:23:25-04:00September 26th, 2025|Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, News Room|

A Conversation with Dr. Marty Pollio on the State of K-12 Education

Terry Brooks is joined by Dr. Marty Pollio, former superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and incoming president of Ivy Tech Community College, to discuss the state of K-12 education, reflections from his time at JCPS, and opportunities for all community members to continue supporting kids in school settings. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about [...]

By |2025-07-01T15:54:56-04:00July 2nd, 2025|Podcast|

From Separation to Strength: A Mother’s Journey

By: Brandi Woods, a member of KY SEAT There are moments in life that etch themselves into your soul. For me, one of those moments was the day my daughter was born. The other was the day she came back home to me after six months in the foster care system. If you’re a parent walking the painful road of separation, let me tell you: I see you. I know the ache in your chest, [...]

By |2025-06-25T12:56:01-04:00June 25th, 2025|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety|

New Report – Bloom Kentucky Examines the Economic Impact of ACEs and Offers Recommendations

New Report - Bloom Kentucky Examines the Economic Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences in Kentucky and Offers Key Strategies for Prevention Contact: Kelsey Dimar kdimar@kyyouth.org LOUISVILLE, KY – Adversity experienced in childhood has an annual estimated cost of $295 million on Kentucky’s economy, according to The Economic Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences in Kentucky report released today by Bloom Kentucky, an initiative powered by grantmaking partners from across the Commonwealth and backboned by Kentucky Youth [...]

When Families are Torn Apart: Why Kentucky Parents Deserve Strong Legal Help

By: Brandi Woods, a member of KY SEAT "If it wouldn't have been for the attorney I had at the time… I may not have gotten custody of my daughter back." Every day in Kentucky, loving parents lose custody of their children—not because they’re abusive or dangerous, but because they couldn’t navigate the legal system alone. These are parents battling addiction, trauma, poverty, and judgment. And some of them are fighting without a lawyer who [...]

By |2025-06-10T12:39:56-04:00June 10th, 2025|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety|

Kentucky Ranks 36th in 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book Urging Focus on Supporting Thriving Kids and Families

Contact: Patricia Tennen | ptennen@kyyouth.org | 502-895-8167 x 122 Kentucky Ranks 36th in 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book as Kentucky Youth Advocates Urges Focus on Supporting Thriving Kids and Families Data shows that too many Kentucky kids are falling behind on key indicators of child well-being, the Annie E. Casey Foundation finds LOUISVILLE, KY —Kentucky has made progress in half of 16 indicators of child well-being, according to the 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book, a 50-state report of [...]

Reunification Is Possible: The Power of Someone Walking With You

By Kayla Harmon, a member of KY SEAT Reunification—the process of bringing a family back together after separation—can feel like an uphill battle. It’s overwhelming, emotional, and filled with obstacles that sometimes seem too heavy to bear. But here’s the truth: you can succeed. And one of the greatest factors in that success is having someone walk beside you—someone who believes in you even when you’re struggling to believe in yourself. You Weren’t Meant to [...]

By |2025-06-25T12:51:07-04:00June 2nd, 2025|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety|

The Key to Success in Foster Care: Inclusion and Communication

By Kayla Harmon, a member of KY SEAT Having a child in foster care is one of the most heart-wrenching and complex experiences a biological parent can go through. It’s not just a separation from your child; it’s a journey full of emotional ups and downs, personal growth, and—most importantly—learning to trust in a system that will hopefully bring your family back together.  But one thing is certain: the key to success in this process [...]

By |2025-05-22T14:56:58-04:00May 21st, 2025|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety|
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