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 [...]
As a practicing social worker and a supervisor to social work students, I take a lot of pride in the profession. Social workers play the role of researchers, advocates, mediators, therapists, brokers, and many, many more identities that involve empowering individuals and groups. As we consider the role social workers play in Kentucky, consider where you see social workers in action: schools, hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers, universities, and in the halls of our state [...]
Contact: Mara Powell 502-895-8167 *122 mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement by Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates We applaud the Senate Health and Welfare Committee for unanimously passing HB 527, which prioritizes the educational stability of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. A child’s removal from his or her home can be traumatic and we commend Representative Steve Riley, Chair Julie Raque Adams and members of the committee, and the Cabinet for Health and Family [...]
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 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 [...]
Contact: Mara Powell 502-895-8167 *122 mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement by Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates HB 527, which prioritizes the educational stability of children who have experienced abuse or neglect, passed the Kentucky House on consent orders today. When a child is removed from their home due to abuse or neglect, they face a number of transitions, including a new home and a new caregiver. A child’s removal from his or her home [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Contact: Mara Powell 502-895-8167 *122 mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement by Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates When a child is removed from their home due to abuse or neglect, they face a number of transitions, including a new home and a new caregiver. A child’s removal from his or her home can be traumatic. We should do everything possible to ensure transitional processes go smoothly. Knowing for some kids that school is the most [...]
We know that youth in Kentucky are key to creating positive change for kids, and their leadership galvanizes other youth, parents, educators, community leaders, and legislators. In the Kentucky Youth Speak Up series, students advocate for policies, encourage other youth to serve their communities, promote strategies for student success, and motivate all of us to build the best commonwealth for Kentucky kids. By Karena Cash Last year, I had the opportunity to tutor a young girl in foster [...]
