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A Look at the Latest Domestic Violence Report

In June, the second annual Statewide Domestic Violence Data Report was published, detailing a devastating reality for thousands of adults and children across the Commonwealth. Domestic violence (DV) is “a systematic pattern of power and control that’s perpetrated by one intimate partner against another”. It’s the willful use of a range of abusive behaviors that can include being:  isolated from family and friends,  threatened with weapons,  coerced into committing crimes or engaging in other activities [...]

By |2024-07-22T16:58:04-04:00July 22nd, 2024|Blog, Bloom Kentucky, Child Welfare & Safety|
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The Kentucky KIDS COUNT Project Needs YOU!

For more than 30 years, Kentucky KIDS COUNT has provided the latest child well-being data. Because it is seen and used by everyone from groups of youth in Eastern Kentucky to Cabinet secretaries in Frankfort, KIDS COUNT data is a catalyst for change. Much of the data is available disaggregated by race, making it an important tool to advance racial equity in Kentucky. We at Kentucky Youth Advocates use that data as the foundation for [...]

By |2024-07-18T14:10:15-04:00July 18th, 2024|Blog, Kids Count|
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Bloom KY Growing Hope: Spotlight on Scott County’s Opioid Abatement Efforts

In this edition of Bloom Kentucky’s Growing Hope series, we’re highlighting the incredible opioid abatement efforts in Scott County. Recently named a “Recovery Ready Community,” Scott County has shown a commitment to providing resources for treatment, recovery support, and workforce reintegration for residents struggling with substance use disorder. Scott County has used their local opioid dollars to support some key initiatives. Those initiatives include:  Community Paramedicine Program: This initiative aims to partner with local agencies [...]

By |2024-07-18T09:06:35-04:00July 17th, 2024|Blog, Bloom Kentucky, Education, Health|
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Intersection of Vaping and Opioid Use

Despite concerted efforts to address underage tobacco and nicotine use and advocacy to increase funding for prevention and cessation programs, vaping continues to be a major concern throughout Kentucky schools and communities.   Research has long-proven the negative health impacts that tobacco and nicotine use has while using and for years to come – costing both individuals and health care systems millions of dollars over the lifetime of a smoker. Youth who vape also experience negative [...]

By |2024-07-17T12:31:54-04:00July 17th, 2024|Blog, Bloom Kentucky, Health|
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The State of Child Labor in Kentucky

Entering the labor force young has its benefits. Having a job as a teen (ages 16-18) can predict higher quality jobs and higher wages in adulthood. Quality work experience at a young age can improve physical and mental health in the long term, as well as reduce the likelihood that a youth will interact with the criminal justice system.  However, youth only benefit from employment when they are working in safe, age-appropriate environments. In Kentucky [...]

By |2024-07-11T13:42:11-04:00July 11th, 2024|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Education, Health, Race Equity|
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Child Abuse and Neglect Registry: Understanding the Purpose and Impact

While people may have heard of the Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) registry, many may not have an idea of how it functions or the implications it can present. It has the potential to impact people in all aspects of life, sometimes in ways that are unexpected.   “The time my daughter spent in care was one of the most horrible moments of my life. When I got her back and the case was closed, [...]

By |2024-07-10T11:35:42-04:00July 10th, 2024|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety|
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OP-ED: We must coalesce around improving Kentucky’s student outcomes

This originally appeared as an op-ed in the Kentucky Lantern on July 5, 2024. By Terry Brooks The annual national KIDS COUNT Data Book includes more data into which to dive than column inches allow.  But an overview of the report reminds us that Kentucky is not the best place in America to be young.  Or the second-best place.  Or the 10th or the 20th or even 30th.  Instead, the 2024 report card on the [...]

By |2024-07-08T11:36:32-04:00July 3rd, 2024|Blog, Economic Security, Education, Kids Count, News Room, Race Equity|
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KYGA24: Major Updates for Kinship Families

Co-authored by  Kathleen Baldwin, Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates During the 2024 legislative session we saw some MAJOR wins for kinship families in Kentucky, which will be going into effect over the coming months. Research shows that placement with family members or a safe adult known to the child, rather than traditional foster care, can have lifelong benefits for a child and their family. Children placed in kinship settings have more placement stability, are less [...]

By |2024-07-03T15:10:37-04:00July 3rd, 2024|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security|
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OP-ED: If we all agree Kentucky children need more help, why is ‘kinship bill’ stalled?

This originally appeared as an op-ed in the Herald Leader on June 27, 2024. By Norma Hatfield Norma Hatfield with her granddaughters I am shocked and saddened as I reflect upon recent events regarding Senate Bill (SB) 151 for kinship caregivers. There are many questions, beginning with, how is nothing better than something for children, when we know we can do better? The story requires some background; I begin with the term, ‘kinship care.’ It’s [...]

By |2024-07-03T11:37:11-04:00June 27th, 2024|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety|
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OP-ED: Parent Voice Can and Will Transform the Child Welfare System

This originally appeared as an op-ed in the Herald Leader on June 27, 2024. By Valerie Frost and members of KY SEAT  In 2010, the American Bar Association (ABA) Center on Children and the Law and other national partners began recognizing June as National Reunification Month. This month in particular, but also year-round, the mother and father members of KY SEAT – Kentucky’s statewide birth parent advisory council – want people to know that parents [...]

By |2024-06-27T15:13:32-04:00June 27th, 2024|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, News Room|
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