March is National Social Work Month. To celebrate the field of social work and social workers themselves, I want to share with you a parable that illustrates the importance of the profession whose primary mission is “to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.” Anyone who has received a degree in [...]
It takes many voices to make sure the system of juvenile justice--including courts, the Department of Juvenile Justice, law enforcement, and other stakeholders--is working for kids, families, and the community. The perspectives and input of individuals of color bring a critical voice to the table, as youth of color are overrepresented in the juvenile justice system. Now is a critical time for a diverse group of stakeholders as Kentucky's system of juvenile justice implements major [...]
March is Women’s History Month, and here in Kentucky we have many women to celebrate—among them scientists, political leaders, activists, medical professionals, and veterans. Kentucky is also home to a number of women who transformed the educational system. Lincoln County’s Sophia Alcorn, for example, developed the Tadoma method for communicating with students who are blind and deaf and advocated for students with disabilities. And Lucy Harth Smith was the principal of Booker T. Washington elementary [...]
Right now, an estimated 3.7 million children in our country are eligible but not enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage—which includes dental care. Their parents or caregivers may not know how to enroll or even realize that their children are eligible. Let’s do our part to reach these families and help connect children to coverage. CHIP and Medicaid provide access to oral health care for millions of children in the [...]
Last night, Kentucky lawmakers prioritized the protection of children from abuse and neglect and sent SB 119 to the Governor for signature. The bill will make sure educators have the information they need to recognize signs of child abuse and neglect. Recognizing and responding to child abuse early-on can mitigate the more serious consequences of long-term abuse and neglect. The issue has been a bipartisan measure from start to finish. SB 119 was filed by [...]
The legislature met for three days this week and now takes a break until they come back for a final two days of session on March 23 and 24. Representatives and Senators worked long days this week trying to get several bills through both chambers. We are excited to report that two Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children’s bills made it all the way through the legislative process last night and will now head to the Governor’s desk [...]
The Kinship Families Coalition of Kentucky is a community group dedicated to raising awareness of the issues surrounding kinship care in Kentucky and forwarding recommendations for policy changes to increase supports for kinship families. Members from across the state include relative caregivers, advocacy organizations, and support service providers. Kentucky has one of the highest rates in the nation of children in the care of grandparents and other relatives, approximately 6 percent. Strains on the education [...]
Photo credit: capitol.ky.gov Although this was the first week of March, the snow decided to once again arrive in full force, causing the legislature to cancel session on Thursday and Friday. However, some bills did see movement during the three-day week. With only a few days left of the session, several Blueprint bills are just steps away from becoming a reality for Kentucky kids. Now’s the time to make your voice heard and call your [...]
Last week, Kentucky Youth Advocates released a new KIDS COUNT Data Snapshot by the Annie E. Casey Foundation on Measuring Access to Opportunity in the United States. That title is admittedly dry, and its focus – the Supplemental Poverty Measure – is a difficult to explain methodology for calculating poverty. However, there is something we can all get excited about in the study, namely evidence of the impact anti-poverty programs and tax policies are having [...]
Snow remains on the ground and cold temperatures are sticking around, but the legislature was back in action this week. Two Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children bills progressed in the House: HB 429 to create a strong child care sector in Kentucky through a child care council passed the House Health and Welfare Committee on February 24. It now awaits a vote on the House floor. HB 301 to ensure school personnel receive education on child [...]
