KYGA24: Addressing the Impact of Evictions on Kids

Evictions have a major impact on the safety and stability of Kentucky kids, often forcing families to move away from systems of support and into housing insecurity. However, a new report from Louisville’s Center for Health Equity shows that the impact of evictions goes much deeper than stability, also impacting the health of children and families. Evictions are both common and impact families of color more than other groups. Over 16,000 evictions were filed just [...]

By |2024-06-12T10:14:20-04:00June 12th, 2024|Blog, Bloom Kentucky, Economic Security, Health, Race Equity|

Kentucky Ranks 38th in 2024 KIDS COUNT Data Book Urging Focus on Equipping Kids to Learn

Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org 502-895-8167 X122 Chronic Absences, Drop in Test Scores: Kentucky Ranks 38th in 2024 KIDS COUNT Data Book Urging Focus on Equipping Kids to Learn 50-State Data Show Academic Outcomes, Absence are Linked to Poverty, Trauma; Policymakers Must Act to Promote Kids' Future Success, Annie E. Casey Foundation Finds LOUISVILLE, KY — Kentucky ranks 38th in child well-being, according to the 2024 KIDS COUNT® Data Book, a 50-state report developed by [...]

Summer Meals for Kids – 2024 Summer EBT Update

Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) was one of the most vital supports for children and families throughout the pandemic, providing grocery money to families who would have usually received free and reduced school meals. We are excited to share that Kentucky will administer a similar program this summer called Summer EBT program, also known as SEBT.  NOTE: Kentucky Youth Advocates does not administer SEBT, and we can only answer general questions about the program. Please DO NOT [...]

By |2024-07-09T12:30:20-04:00June 5th, 2024|Blog, Economic Security, Education, Health|

Step with Us Through the Kentucky Child and Family Wellbeing System Website Launch!

Historically, decisions about programs, policies, and services have been made without the input of those proximate to the issues or receiving end.  Today, we know better. And we're doing better.  Through an effort to build the voices of those with child welfare lived experience – to hear and learn from those who have been there – Kentucky Youth Advocates, with the support of Casey Family Programs, partnered with formerly systems-involved individuals to conduct focus groups [...]

By |2024-05-22T11:11:40-04:00May 22nd, 2024|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Race Equity|

A Fresh Update to the WIC Program: Nurturing the Next Generation

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) helps women, infants, and children get a strong start in life. This program is a lifeline for over 115,000 Kentucky parents, caregivers, and kids, providing them with food benefits through an EBT card, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and more. One of WIC’s primary goals is to ensure that moms and kids get the nutritious foods they need to grow and thrive. To [...]

By |2024-05-15T16:02:12-04:00May 15th, 2024|Blog, Economic Security, Health, Race Equity|

KYGA24: Sustaining the Child Care Sector

Child care was a huge topic of discussion during the 2024 legislative session. Advocates appealed to elected officials to help them understand that safe and reliable child care makes it possible for families to be part of the workforce and benefit the whole community. Legislators also examined the price tag that would be attached to stabilizing Kentucky’s child care industry, and that price tag was not small.  In previous years, most of the child care [...]

By |2024-05-09T14:55:52-04:00May 9th, 2024|Blog, Bloom Kentucky, Economic Security, Education|

KYGA24: Prioritizing Maternal Health

Among the topics that were a focus area for legislators in 2024 is maternal health – both the troubling outcomes for mothers across the Commonwealth and tangible steps we can take to address these issues. Following SB 135 of 2023 which targeted maternal depression, and an administrative change that ensures mothers on Medicaid are covered for 12 months postpartum, the 2024 General Assembly focused on additional ways to keep moms and babies healthy. HB 10, [...]

By |2024-05-08T08:43:20-04:00May 8th, 2024|Blog, Bloom Kentucky, Economic Security, Health, Race Equity|

OP-ED: Kentucky General Assembly fumbles opportunities to help kids

This originally appeared as an op-ed in the Kentucky Lantern on April 30, 2024. By Dr. Terry Brooks It’s Spring 2024 in the Bluegrass State. And if I am writing about sports, I should be focused on new basketball coaches and the Derby and the PGA Championship at Valhalla. But as I reflect on the 2024 General Assembly, my mind drifts to football and the 1938 Chicago Bears. That was the team which still holds the [...]

Smile for Child Abuse: A Thriving Families, Safer Children Kentucky Message

According to research, there are scientific benefits to smiling. What's better than a grin? Full-on laughter. During the Thriving Families, Safer Children Kentucky team's last meeting, we gathered at one of the collaborating partner's organizations–the Commonwealth Center for Fathers and Families–to exchange our favorite dad jokes. The winning knee-slapper? "I'd like to thank all the sidewalks for keeping me off the streets."  But what is funny about child abuse and how does humor and [...]

By |2024-04-23T13:27:03-04:00April 23rd, 2024|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security|

Bloom Kentucky: Recapping KYGA24 Efforts to Address ACEs

Bloom Kentucky is committed to addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) through policy change. We know that the multi-generational impacts of childhood adversity require an upstream approach and that often is done through legislative action and budget investments. Policy Priorities For this session, Bloom Kentucky identified policy priorities focused on ensuring a strong student-teacher pipeline, supporting access to school-based mental health, promoting housing stability and  expanding prenatal and delivery care.  Here’s a recap of how our [...]

By |2024-04-18T17:02:26-04:00April 18th, 2024|Blog, Bloom Kentucky, Economic Security, Education, Health|
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