Statement on Passage of HB 686 by Kentucky House

Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates LOUISVILLE, KY – On the heels of the rulings in other states this week that social media platforms are deliberately designed to be addictive, the Kentucky House overwhelmingly supported passage of House Bill 686 to promote the positive youth development and mental health of young people.  The negative impacts of social media platforms is apparent to parents, educators, health professionals, [...]

By |2026-03-27T12:43:36-04:00March 27th, 2026|Bloom Kentucky, Health, News Room|

Common Ground for Kids: Addressing Addictive Platforms

Whether “right” or “left”, state legislators are acknowledging the role and impact of social media on youth. House Bill 227, sponsored by Representative Lockett with cosponsors growing each day, creates some guardrails for social media companies. This legislation specifically requires age verification procedures, prohibits specific “addictive features,” and sets privacy setting requirements and parental rights around account management. It also authorizes the Attorney General to bring forth action on behalf of Kentuckians where appropriate.  As [...]

By |2026-03-26T10:06:26-04:00March 26th, 2026|Blog, Bloom Kentucky, Child Welfare & Safety|

Statement on Passage of HB 338 by Kentucky House

Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates LOUISVILLE, KY – Alongside our partners in the Bloom Kentucky initiative, we’re celebrating as the House of Representatives unanimously supported Representative Susan Witten’s House Bill 338. This commonsense approach to promoting housing stability will ensure dismissed evictions are expunged and that no minor is named on an eviction filing.  The potential impact of HB 338 is great as the average [...]

Taking Action to Improve Diaper Access for Families

One significant cost for families with young children that often goes overlooked is diapers.  Diapers can cost families at least $1,000 annually for every child in diapers. They are essential for infant and toddler health and hygiene, yet many families with young children experience diaper needs and struggle to afford enough diapers to keep their children clean and healthy. When families cannot afford enough diapers, both parents and children are negatively impacted. Parents may be [...]

By |2026-03-12T13:56:50-04:00March 12th, 2026|Blog, Bloom Kentucky, Economic Security, Health|

Statement on Passage of HB 338 by House Judiciary Committee

Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates LOUISVILLE, KY – When families have access to safe, stable housing, children can grow and thrive. Yet, families with children are two times more likely to face eviction than other households, often leading to long-term barriers to securing stable housing even if the case is dismissed. And sometimes those children are listed on eviction filings, damaging their housing record before [...]

Youth Voice: “Find your passion! Use your voice! Vote for Kentucky Kids!”

By Aleah Stigall, former member of the Health Youth Ambassadors Aleah shared the following speech as the opening of the 2026 Town Hall on Kids in the Capitol Education Center at the annual Children’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol. Welcome to this year’s Children’s Advocacy Day Town Hall on Kids! I am Aleah Stigall, a senior at Boyle County High School. From a young age, I was raised to advocate for myself, especially as a [...]

By |2026-03-18T16:49:09-04:00March 5th, 2026|Blog, Bloom Kentucky, Health|

Statement on Passage of HB 686 by House Families & Children Committee

Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates LOUISVILLE, KY –  It’s become increasingly obvious the toll social media has had on Kentucky adolescents with our young people facing increasing rates of anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, and sextortion. And that reality is apparent in the data – one in six Kentucky kids were diagnosed with depression or anxiety and nearly one in five Kentucky high school students seriously considered [...]

By |2026-03-05T09:32:49-05:00March 5th, 2026|Bloom Kentucky, Health, News Room|

Bloom Kentucky Sprout-Out: South Louisville Community Ministries

As part of Bloom Kentucky, “sprout outs” are our way of giving a meaningful shout out to programs fostering hope and resilience in communities across the Commonwealth. We’re proud to spotlight the work of South Louisville Community Ministries (SLCM) and its commitment to ensuring families have stable housing.  Located in Jefferson County, SLCM is a nonprofit organization providing emergency assistance and compassionate advocacy for neighbors in crisis. SLCM offers a comprehensive range of services to [...]

By |2026-02-26T14:39:17-05:00February 26th, 2026|Blog, Bloom Kentucky, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security|

Bloom Kentucky Sprout-Out: The ACE Project

By E'Lesha Toomer, Program Director of The ACE Project As part of Bloom Kentucky, “sprout outs” are our way of giving a meaningful shout out to programs fostering hope and resilience in our communities. We’re proud to spotlight the incredible work of The ACE Project!  The ACE Project (Acting Compassionate Everyday) is a youth and family centered organization committed to prevention, empowerment, and long-term community impact. Based in Louisville, their mission is to provide youth [...]

By |2026-02-18T15:01:14-05:00February 18th, 2026|Blog, Bloom Kentucky|

Using Local Opioid Abatement Funds to Fuel Prevention Efforts

Local opioid settlement funds, which are available and distributed to every county and many cities around Kentucky, hold great opportunity for healing and recovery. Alongside the possibilities for local communities comes great responsibility to use the funds wisely. This is especially important as these funds come as a result of the opioid epidemic which took the lives of many Kentuckians and harmed many more.  As county leaders make decisions about how to invest, all localities [...]

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