Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery. It is the exploitation of men, women, and children through force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of forced labor or services or commercial sex.  When children are involved in commercial sex, which includes stripping, pornography or prostitution, they are victims of human trafficking; there is no need to show force, fraud or coercion. In Kentucky, 59 percent of victims of human trafficking are children.  Victims of [...]

House Bill 40, filed by Representative Darryl Owens, passed the House on January 15th and is awaiting a hearing in a Senate committee.  This bill would expand record expungement to include the lowest class of non-violent felonies for those who have served their court-ordered requirements and moved forward on the right path without further offenses or violations.  A person who makes a bad decision that results in a criminal record, particularly a felony record, can [...]

Two bills filed in the Kentucky legislature, Senate Bill 60 sponsored by Senator Whitney Westerfield and House Bill 109 sponsored by Representative Joni Jenkins would permit courts to accommodate a child’s memory of repeated abuse, known as a continuous course of conduct. Here are 3 reasons why SB 60 and HB 109 would better protect child victims of repeated abuse: Currently, Kentucky courts require detailed information for a jury to agree on at least one [...]

Nationally, there has been an increase in the numbers of children in kinship care settings. These placements involve relatives stepping up to raise nieces, nephews, grandchildren and other kin when their parents can no longer raise the children themselves. Grandparents or other relatives often step up to raise children because of parental deployment, substance abuse issues, parental death, or mental or physical health issues. Kinship placements are a good alternative to children being placed into foster care [...]

Research suggests that children placed in family settings are more likely to have better health, developmental, and educational outcomes in comparison to those placed in residential facilities. Over the next few weeks we will be sharing various resources for children and families, tailored to the needs of each family setting. This week we’re highlighting resources to help parents and their children remain safe and together. Check out the available resources to strengthen Kentucky families below. [...]