The More We Know, the More Clear the Path Forward
The 2014 legislative session recently wrapped up, and all things considered, it was an excellent session for children. To name a few wins, the actions taken by our legislators and the Governor will result in fewer child deaths due to abuse and neglect, low-income parents able to work while children are cared for safely, and smart use of our juvenile justice system to get kids back on track and create safer communities. Several significant challenges [...]
Children Won in the 2014 KY General Assembly
The 2014 Kentucky General Assembly wrapped up late last night. The day after, a review of the action taken by legislators in Frankfort this year shows major accomplishments for Kentucky children. Thank you to the many bill sponsors, leaders on budget issues, Governor Beshear, President Stivers, Speaker Stumbo, other members of House and Senate leadership, and all legislators that helped make these accomplishments possible! What do these wins mean? SB 176, sponsored by Senator Denise [...]
Recent Kentucky Health Issues Poll shows place and income matter in adult dental visits
In January, Governor Steve Beshear delivered his Commonwealth address and stressed the importance of improving the health of our residents in hopes of attracting and retaining good paying jobs for the citizens of Kentucky. Governor Beshear mentioned several issues related to health including efforts to improve dental care for Kentuckians. In February, Governor Beshear also launched the Kentucky Health Now initiative, which among other priorities, sets goals to increase adult dental visits by 10% by [...]
If you missed KY Gives Day – You can still Make a Difference
Yesterday, April 9, was KY Gives Day. It was a day when people stepped up to invest in non-profits all across the Commonwealth, and we thank everyone who gave to Kentucky Youth Advocates (KYA) yesterday. If you missed KY Gives Day, you can still make a donation to KYA today or any day at https://kyyouth.org/donate/. Children often don’t have a voice in decisions made by our policymakers, and your support will help make sure Kentucky Youth Advocates can continue [...]
Together, We Can Make Kentucky a Better State to be a Kid
By: Rebecca Ghent, 2013-2014 KYA Intern Every child in this state should have a chance to succeed. A lot of people are committed to making that idea a reality. As a social work student, I have had the opportunity to see the varied efforts of many people hard at work. I have seen it in people working in schools, in lawyers working with refugees and immigrants, and now at Kentucky Youth Advocates. I have met [...]
Face It: One Year Later, Still Going Strong
Today, hundreds of Louisvillians gathered at the Big Four Bridge for the Rally to End Child Abuse, hosted by Face It partner, Family and Children’s Place. The event highlighted ways that we can all help to end child abuse. Parents, neighbors, friends, teachers, coaches, everyone – each of us is the face that ends child abuse. It reminded me of one year ago when the Face It® Movement officially launched on April 9, 2013. At [...]
The Passage of SB 176 Helps Real KY Families
As many of you who follow Kentucky Youth Advocates’ blog know, kinship families in Kentucky saw a major win in this year’s General Assembly with passage of Senate Bill 176, sponsored by Denise Harper Angel. SB 176 allows a relative caregiver to complete an affidavit, under penalty of perjury, stating that they are the primary caregiver of the child, and then by presenting the form they can authorize health care treatment, educational services, and school enrollment. [...]
Change Kids’ Lives by Supporting Kentucky Youth Advocates on KY Gives Day
On April 9, 2014, our community will come together for KY Gives Day, and we need YOU to join us. It's 24 hours of unprecedented nonprofit giving-and it's your chance to make a real difference, right here in our community. Children often don't have a voice in decisions made by our policymakers, and your support will help make sure Kentucky Youth Advocates can continue to be THE independent voice for Kentucky kids. This is YOUR chance to make a real difference for [...]
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
It’s finally April! I’ve been looking forward to this day since New Year’s, but not just because it (hopefully) means warmer weather is here to stay. April marks an obvious time of new beginnings and fresh starts. It’s a month full of hope and potential which makes it the perfect choice for National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Face It® Movement, in partnership with many community agencies, would like to invite you to several events [...]