By Tyler Hunter

Hey there fellow Kentuckians! As a former foster care alumni, I find it highly important to support, attend, and participate in Children’s Advocacy Day (CAD) and the events surrounding the week. For the past seven years, I have had the opportunity to attend the CAD rally in our Capitol Rotunda.

The moment I step foot into the rotunda, I immediately experience being seen, heard, and respected. These people are in attendance for one reason; and that reason is to fight against child maltreatment across our Bluegrass State.

CAD has allowed me to amplify my voice and message through intentional networking with legislators, child protection agencies, state workers, youth in foster care, child welfare consultants and advocates, and others. Child welfare is everyone’s business, and each person regardless of sex, gender, race, color, or political affiliation, must collaborate in exploring solutions that work for our children and their families. It is our duty as Kentuckians. 

I carry the voice of every child who has been neglected in each footstep that I take. I carry the message of hope in the pockets of my suit. And on my face, I carry the look of persistence and resilience of children who are determined to make it, no matter the cost. I’m coming to reclaim every dream stolen, every voice silenced, and every child overlooked. 

I was sent on this mission, but I cannot fight this battle alone. We must all fight together in solidarity. The children across our Old Kentucky Home deserve this.

Tyler Hunter is a child welfare consultant from Bowling Green, KY. Tyler holds a Bachelor of Art degree from Western Kentucky University and currently is a Master of Social Work Student. Tyler had child welfare involvement throughout his childhood, experiencing kinship care, foster care, and adoption. His advocacy career began with Murray State’s Voices of the Commonwealth and his advocacy has focused on child welfare reformation on the state and national level ever since. Tyler currently serves as Chairperson of the DCBS Trusted Advisors Council.