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From Barbecues to Budget Cuts: How the New Federal Budget Impacts Families in Kentucky

This is part of Kentucky Youth Advocates’ series on the federal landscape and the impacts on Kentucky children and families.  Along with barbecues and fireworks, the 4th of July also brought a new federal budget signed into law. Although the reconciliation package saw several versions before final passage, many of the programs we have highlighted throughout the Summer will see significant changes under the new law.   Among the largest cuts in the program's history are [...]

By |2025-07-16T13:28:48-04:00July 16th, 2025|Blog, Health, Medicaid|
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988 Turns Three: Why This Lifeline Still Needs Support

This is part of Kentucky Youth Advocates’ series on the federal landscape and the impacts on Kentucky children and families.  On July 16, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline celebrates its third anniversary since launching as a shorter, easier-to-remember number. Since 2022, the line has become a vital support for people experiencing a mental health crisis, providing someone to talk to at any time through phone, text, or chat. The effectiveness of the line has [...]

By |2025-07-16T13:29:30-04:00July 16th, 2025|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety|
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The Power of Data: How We Know What Kentucky’s Kids Need

While many people are familiar with the Kentucky KIDS COUNT project, there is much more county, school district, and race level data that is collected and analyzed. The Annie E. Casey Foundation, who leads the national KIDS COUNT project, hosts a Data Center for all 50 states where additional information can be found. In addition to the data they display for the entire state and each congressional district, KYA tracks more information at the county [...]

By |2025-07-11T12:02:41-04:00July 11th, 2025|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Education, Health, Justice, Kids Count, Medicaid|
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Juvenile Justice and Miranda Rights: Ensuring Kids Have the Support They Need to Make an Informed Decision

Many of us grew up watching TV shows and movies where police officers would read someone their Miranda rights, “You have the right to remain silent…”, without ever thinking about the people in our communities who may have experienced that in real life, including kids. More than 50 years ago, the Supreme Court acknowledged that children cannot “navigate the justice system without the “guiding hand” of counsel, including when interrogated by law enforcement”. With everything [...]

By |2025-10-28T09:07:27-04:00July 10th, 2025|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Justice, Youth Justice|
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Addressing the Rise in Child Abuse in Kentucky Child Care Programs

Originally published on Face It Movement Access to high quality, safe child care settings is critical for families across the Commonwealth. But recent data reports highlight an increase of child abuse and maltreatment cases in child care programs across Kentucky:  46% increase in hotline complaints from 2022–2024 73% increase in substantiated incidents of child abuse and neglect 64% increase in serious injuries to children in licensed child care impacting up to 764 children This increase [...]

By |2025-07-18T09:33:23-04:00July 10th, 2025|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety|
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What to Know as New Child Welfare Laws Take Effect

Originally published on Face It Movement As we enter the heat of summer, we are starting to see the implementation of many of the bills passed during the 2025 legislative session. Several of those laws are set to impact children directly, especially in school settings. Two of the new laws, Senate Bills 73 and 120, were 2025 Kosair for Kids Face It Movement Policy Priorities, aimed at preventing abuse and promoting child safety through education [...]

By |2025-07-18T09:39:18-04:00June 30th, 2025|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety|
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A Bloom Kentucky Sprout-Out: Celebrating the Work of WCKY Camp Mariposa

As part of Bloom Kentucky, “sprout outs” are our way of giving a meaningful shout to programs fostering hope and resilience in our communities. We’re proud to spotlight the incredible work being done at WestCare Kentucky (WCKY) Camp Mariposa.  WCKY Camp Mariposa is an addiction prevention and mentoring program for children ages 9-12 who have been affected by the substance use of a parent or close family member. Part of a national network of camps [...]

By |2025-07-10T19:37:16-04:00June 26th, 2025|Blog, Bloom Kentucky|
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From Separation to Strength: A Mother’s Journey

By: Brandi Woods, a member of KY SEAT There are moments in life that etch themselves into your soul. For me, one of those moments was the day my daughter was born. The other was the day she came back home to me after six months in the foster care system. If you’re a parent walking the painful road of separation, let me tell you: I see you. I know the ache in your chest, [...]

By |2025-06-25T12:56:01-04:00June 25th, 2025|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety|
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Positive Childhood Experiences: Having at Least Two Non-Parent Adults Who Genuinely Cared

Can you think of someone in your life, outside of your parental figures, who showed a deep and genuine care for you? Having access to supportive, non-parental adults who care is considered a positive childhood experience and helps buffer life’s toughest times.  David Townsend, Executive Director of The Home of Opportunities and Dreams (HOOD), uses his time and talents to create welcoming environments that promote positive development and create access to safe and trusted [...]

By |2025-06-25T12:16:41-04:00June 18th, 2025|Blog, Bloom Kentucky|
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June is Oral Health Month: Building Awareness of Positive Oral Health Habits and Outcomes  

As Kentuckians across the state welcome warmer weather and summer break, KYA is also taking time to celebrate Oral Health Month throughout June. Oral Health Month is a time to recognize the importance of oral health and build awareness of positive oral health habits and outcomes.    This means not only engaging in positive oral health behaviors like daily brushing and flossing, and regularly visiting a dentist, but also understanding trends and advocating for policies that [...]

By |2025-06-16T16:29:50-04:00June 16th, 2025|Blog, Health|
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