Economic Security Archives - Kentucky Youth Advocates

Five Minutes, Your Feedback, and Brighter Futures for Kentucky Kids

Five Minutes, Your Feedback, and Brighter Futures for Kentucky Kids

We at Kentucky Youth Advocates believe that Kentucky can become the best place in America to be young and that we should settle for nothing less. Over the past several legislative sessions, the Kentucky General Assembly and state government have taken significant steps to improve the lives of children in the Commonwealth, and we are excited about those wins for kids. Yet, we still have a long way to go until all children in Kentucky [...]

By Jessie Whitish| 2018-06-14T10:11:49+00:00 June 14th, 2018|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Education, Health, Justice, Youth Justice|

Bipartisan Wins: An Oxymoron that Works for Kids

Bipartisan Wins: An Oxymoron that Works for Kids

This post originally appeared as an op-ed in the Northern Kentucky Tribune and Kentucky Today. “Bipartisan wins” in Frankfort seems like an oxymoron on the same level as “jumbo shrimp” and “bittersweet.” When reflecting on the recent legislative session, it would be easy to think of 2018 only as the year of placards and protests, accusations and apologies, parliamentary finagles and partisan politics. Yet, when it comes to Kentucky’s kids impacted by abuse or neglect, 2018 [...]

By Terry Brooks| 2018-04-27T09:12:22+00:00 April 26th, 2018|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Health, Justice|

The Final State Budget and What it Means for Kids and Families

The Final State Budget and What it Means for Kids and Families

Late last week, the Kentucky General Assembly convened for the final days of the 2018 legislative session. Still to be finalized was the state budget to drive how money will be spent and the level at which services and programs will be funded. Though the General Assembly had passed the budget bill before the veto break on April 2nd, the governor vetoed the bill. The question remained on whether the legislature would simply override the [...]

By Tara Grieshop-Goodwin| 2018-04-23T12:08:48+00:00 April 17th, 2018|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Education, Health|

Because of Advocates Like You: Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children 2018 Policy Wins

Because of Advocates Like You: Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children 2018 Policy Wins

When it comes to the Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children policy priorities, kids won in Frankfort during the 2018 legislative session. Because of advocates like you, the following Blueprint priorities are awaiting the Governor’s signature: HB 1. Every child deserves a family, and House Bill 1—sponsored by Representatives David Meade and Joni Jenkins—upholds that ideal by strengthening supports to help keep families together safely and, when that’s not possible, addressing timelines for adoption cases so that [...]

By Jessie Whitish| 2018-04-04T11:29:07+00:00 April 4th, 2018|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Education, Health, Justice|

Statement by Dr. Terry Brooks on KY House and Senate Passing the Budget

Statement by Dr. Terry Brooks on KY House and Senate Passing the Budget

Contact: Mara Powell 502-895-8167 *122 mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement by Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates In the best of times, crafting a budget is a complicated and difficult challenge. In these times of fiscal constraints, growing needs, and a less than certain economic future, crafting a budget is about making the toughest of decisions. As we think about the proposed budget and Kentucky’s kids, and given the tight budget constraints, it is important [...]

By Mara Powell| 2018-04-02T20:40:19+00:00 April 2nd, 2018|Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Education, Health, Justice, News Room|

An Update on the State Budget

An Update on the State Budget

As the days of the 2018 legislative session wind down, the one thing remaining at the top of mind in this budget session is the budget itself. The House of Representatives and the Senate have each passed a version of the budget, and now it sits with a conference committee as they work to iron out their differences, with the final version of the budget expected to be voted on in the coming days. A [...]

By Terrance Sullivan| 2018-03-29T09:18:17+00:00 March 29th, 2018|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Education, Health|

Statement by Dr. Terry Brooks on KY Senate Passage of Executive Branch Budget

Statement by Dr. Terry Brooks on KY Senate Passage of Executive Branch Budget

Contact: Mara Powell 502-895-8167 *122 mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement by Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates Tough fiscal times demand more than tough decisions. Today, the Kentucky Senate made those tough decisions while passing the amended executive branch budget. Most notably, the Senate affirmed their commitment to Kentucky’s most vulnerable children. We applaud the Senate for maintaining investments in kinship families, as well as supports for children who've been impacted by abuse or neglect. [...]

By Mara Powell| 2018-03-21T09:57:10+00:00 March 20th, 2018|Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Education, Health, News Room|

The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Kentucky Kids and What’s Being Done About It

The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Kentucky Kids and What’s Being Done About It

By Cortney Downs, Kentucky Youth Advocates intern What happens when children are exposed to potentially traumatizing events in their homes, schools, and communities? A growing body of research shows that exposure during the formative years can impact the trajectory of a child’s physical and emotional health well into adulthood. In a continued effort to raise awareness and encourage action, Child Trends recently released a report on the findings of the latest National Survey of Children’s Health specific [...]

By Kentucky Youth Advocates| 2018-04-03T10:36:27+00:00 March 15th, 2018|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Education, Health, Justice|

An Investment in Child Care is an Investment in Stable Families and a Strong Workforce

An Investment in Child Care is an Investment in Stable Families and a Strong Workforce

Kayla and her daughter RaeLynn. Recently, parents, providers, and employers came to Frankfort to testify before the House Budget Review Subcommittee about the importance of the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and ask them to increase funding for the program in this year’s state budget proposal. The high cost of child care is a major barrier for low-income parents. According to the US Chamber of Commerce, 71 percent of non-working, low-income parents with [...]

By Patricia Tennen| 2018-04-03T10:39:52+00:00 March 13th, 2018|Blog, Economic Security, Education|

A State Budget with a Myriad of Opportunities

A State Budget with a Myriad of Opportunities

Last fall, there was much concern as to what the 2018 legislative session and biennial budget would bring because of uncertainties around pension reform and expected revenue shortfalls. However, as we review the proposed budget, we are reassured by our state leaders’ commitment to Kentucky kids. The House version of the proposed executive branch budget embraces a myriad of opportunities to improve the lives and futures of Kentucky kids and families and for that we [...]

By Terry Brooks| 2018-03-09T11:51:56+00:00 March 9th, 2018|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Education|

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