Kids, young adults, and families across Kentucky are already feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic—and will be for months to come. Those who have been involved in the child welfare system are facing many challenges, and as the state rebuilds and makes plans to support these kids and families navigating tough situations, it is important that our leaders understand their experiences. Kentucky Youth Advocates, in partnership with Casey Family Programs, is hosting nine virtual [...]

These are unprecedented times. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, along with Governors across the nation, has issued strict orders to practice social distancing and stay “Healthy at Home” to slow the spread of the virus. While physical distancing practices are presumably decreasing the positive COVID-19 cases throughout the state, Kentucky is also experiencing another decline that has much more concerning implications for some of our most vulnerable Kentuckians. Recent reports [...]

Last updated May 15, 2020 Children in homes where instability was already present are now at an even greater risk with the uncertainty and disruptions in services brought on by the COVID-19 response. Given that Kentucky has the highest rates in the nation for both child maltreatment and kids living in kinship care, we must prioritize investments in the child welfare system and support the kids and families within the system. Investments and state action [...]

Join a virtual support group with Voices of the Commonwealth members every Friday at 3 PM Central/4 PM Eastern. RSVP to wwilson9@murraystate.edu and the Google Hangouts link or a phone number for conference call will be sent to you. By Tamara Vest My name is Tamara Vest. I am a 23-year-old former foster youth from Kentucky. I am currently a senior at the University of Kentucky finishing my bachelor’s degree in Social Work. I was [...]