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 [...]
This originally appeared as an op-ed in the NKY Tribune on April 24, 2024. By Barry Dunn and Shannon Moody Child abuse cases grab headlines and our hearts. We are often left asking: “how could this happen?” and “who would hurt an innocent child?” Substantiated cases of child abuse lead to intervention measures, which are necessary when a child can no longer safely be with their parents due to abuse or neglect. Intervention can include [...]
Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates LOUISVILLE, KY – An investment in the student-to-teacher pipeline is an investment in our students – and the future of Kentucky’s workforce and economic well-being. With today’s final passage of House Bill 377 by the Senate, Kentucky school districts can now deepen their toolbox for recruiting and retaining quality and qualified teachers for their schools. HB 377, sponsored by Representative [...]
Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates LOUISVILLE, KY – What’s clear is that Kentucky’s kids are facing a vaping epidemic, orchestrated by “big vape” companies through marketing and sweet flavors. What’s also clear is that kids are getting their hands on vapes through local retailers despite state and federal tobacco-21 laws prohibiting selling to those underage. What is unclear is why the Kentucky General Assembly continues [...]
Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates LOUISVILLE, KY – Especially as we approach Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, we are joining our partners at the Kosair for Kids Face It Movement in celebrating passage of House Bill 275, championed by Representative James Tipton. This important piece of child sexual abuse prevention legislation will boost child safety in the immediate and ensure students across the Commonwealth can learn [...]
Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates LOUISVILLE, KY – All kids need a place that is safe and stable to grow up in, and every parent and young person needs a place to live that is affordable given their income. However, rising housing costs, slowed construction, and natural disasters have made it increasingly difficult for families to find and afford safe places to live across the Commonwealth. [...]
Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates LOUISVILLE, KY – Along with Bloom Kentucky, we are celebrating as House Bill 199 passes the Kentucky House to expand access to safe and healthy prenatal and birth options. HB 199 seeks to remove the certificate-of-need requirement for freestanding birth centers which will allow Kentucky to expand access to safe alternatives to hospital delivery for families. Although there are now [...]
Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates LOUISVILLE, KY – With today’s unanimous passage of House Bill 377 by the Senate Education Committee, Kentucky is one step closer to strengthening the student-teacher pipeline and the future of the K-12 workforce. In many ways, an investment in our teacher workforce is an investment in the current and future students across our Commonwealth. HB 377, sponsored by Representative Kim [...]
Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates LOUISVILLE, KY – This week, the Kentucky Senate ensured final passage of Representative Samara Heavrin’s House Bill 561 – an important measure that takes steps to strengthen Kentucky’s vulnerable child care infrastructure. By permanently establishing the Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership (ECCAP) and creating the Certified Child Care Community Designation Program, HB 561 has the potential to support a strong local [...]
Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates LOUISVILLE, KY – Thousands of Kentucky’s kinship and fictive kin families flat out won today with the final passage of Senate Bill 151, championed by Senator Julie Raque Adams, by the Kentucky House. Just as these caregivers step up at a moment’s notice to provide a safe space for their young loved ones to grow and heal, our General Assembly has [...]
