A trip to the Kentucky Science Center with children is like leveling up on curiosity and innovation. My nephews’ favorite part is usually the water table. It’s fascinating to watch how they look at the pipes and water spouts, devise a plan in their brain, then start working to implement what they want to have happen. The joy on their faces is priceless when they figure out their goal - like how to get [...]
At the October meeting for the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary, Representative Susan Witten presented on legislation that she filed during the 2025 legislative session aimed at making common sense changes to Kentucky’s eviction process to reduce the long-term, harmful effects on kids and families. “As the Housing Taskforce Co-Chair, the past two years we have worked really hard to try to identify state level solutions to Kentucky’s housing crisis,” Representative Witten stated during her [...]
Have you ever heard of the “miracle question”? It’s a classic tool used in Solution-Focused Therapy, a method that centers on envisioning the desired future rather than dwelling on past difficulties. The therapist might ask: “If you went to sleep tonight and a miracle occurred while you were asleep which led to your problem being solved, what would you notice the next morning that would tell you this miracle had happened?” This question helps clients [...]
At Kentucky Youth Advocates, we’re already gearing up for the 2026 state legislative session—and with a new year comes new opportunities to stand up for Kentucky kids! Children’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol has always been a powerful moment to lift youth voices, connect with legislators, and push for policies that put kids first. While renovations at the State Capitol mean this year’s event will look a little different, our mission remains the same: make [...]
By Jane Herms, President/CEO, Family Nurturing Center By shifting the focus from supervision to active parenting, child welfare systems are helping children stay connected, families heal, and reunification become possible. For children separated from their parents because of abuse, neglect, or other safety concerns, time spent together during that separation is more than a moment on a calendar — it’s a lifeline. Those visits are opportunities to preserve bonds, nurture relationships, and lay the groundwork [...]
by Kelsey Raymer, Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates Situated between Bullitt and Marion Counties, Nelson County is full of deep history, new educational opportunities, and diverse populations. As someone who grew up in the county, the most intriguing phenomenon to experience is the economic division, lack of resource accessibility, and educational growth within the county. In the Anne E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT analysis of Nelson County, two major indicators stand out. From 2013 to [...]
Youth mental health issues are at an all time high— youth advocates, school districts, parents, and even the Surgeon General alike are elevating youth mental health as a vital issue due to the long-term impacts on physical health, success in school, and future of the community. Many are lifting up the role of social media companies and their platforms in adversely impacting youth. Social Media Lawsuits A major multi-district litigation (MDL 3047) is currently moving [...]
Nothing quite matches the pride of a new grandparent or auntie showing pictures of a new baby. At a meeting, at the grocery store, or after church, they are quick to pull out their phones and share a few pictures of the new bundle of joy. This year, I’ve been that auntie, showing off my sweet niece who was born this past Winter, when I’m catching up with friends. As much as we care for [...]
For over 70 years, Harlan County has been hosting the annual Poke Sallet Festival. What started as an idea after a dinner featuring poke sallet is now a robust community tradition that brings families and friends together year after year every summer. Not sure what poke sallet is? It’s a southern delicacy – also called a “forager’s delight”. This festival offers a wide range of events: singing competitions, a “Run for the Hills 5K”, pet [...]
Across the Commonwealth of Kentucky, grandparents, relatives and close friends of families step up to raise children when their parents are unable. We call them ‘kinship families’ and they are important members of communities who add to the strengths of our Commonwealth. September is Kinship Care Awareness Month – a time to recognize and celebrate kinship caregivers and all that they do to support and care for the children in their care. Kentucky utilizes kinship [...]
