Contact: Mara Powell 859-496-5524 mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement by Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates Today, Kentucky Youth Advocates joined Kosair Charities®, partners in the Face It® Movement to End Child Abuse, and Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children partners to celebrate Governor Bevin's ceremonial signing of SB 236, which was sponsored by Senator Julie Raque Adams. SB 236 closes the gaps in background checks of adults working with children in schools, youth camps, and in [...]

Media Contact: Lynsey Trager lynsey@boxcarpr.com Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org 859-496-5524 Delta Dental of Kentucky Invests $1 Million in Regional Oral Health Networks Establishing Five Regional Networks to Develop Local, Data-Driven Oral Health Solutions Louisville, KY – Following state results published in the Making Smiles Happen: 2016 Oral Health Study of Kentucky's Youth, Delta Dental of Kentucky is expanding its commitment to oral health across the state. Delta Dental of Kentucky is providing $1 million to launch [...]

Contact: Jessie Whitish 502-214-0303 jwhitish@kyyouth.org Statement by Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates The health of Kentucky's kids became as risky as a bet on the Derby with the passage of the American Health Care Act by the House today. There are positives that merit note to be sure. As an example, we appreciate the House's commitment to continue coverage for young adults until the age of 26. That is especially crucial for [...]

Contact: Mara Powell 859-496-5524 mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement by Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates The appointment of Daniel Dumas as Kentucky’s child welfare czar underscores Governor Matt Bevin’s commitment to children and families. This new position carries real potential as a catalyst for change. And we hope that the Governor and the Czar will embrace the call for revolution and not incremental improvement around the child welfare system, be that about adoptions or preserving [...]

Contact: Mara Powell 859-496-5524 mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement by Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates Common sense won in the 6th Circuit Court ruling. And so did kids. All children who are removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect have undergone trauma. And all of them need support from caring and capable adults who have the resources to meet their needs. For too long in Kentucky, we have created a false dichotomy in [...]

Contact: Mara Powell 859-496-5524 mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement by Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates We thank the Kentucky General Assembly for sending SB 120 to Governor Bevin’s desk for signature. SB 120, sponsored by Whitney Westerfield, will help parents who have served their time get back to work, not re-offend, and care for their children after reentry into the community. In Kentucky, 13% of kids have experienced parental incarceration, the highest rate in the [...]

Contact: Mara Powell 859-496-5524 mpowell@kyyouth.org JEFFERSONTOWN, KY – An easy-to-use snapshot that compares counties within states, the eighth annual County Health Rankings show that where you live influences how well and how long you live. The local level data makes it clear that good health is influenced by many factors beyond healthcare including housing, education, jobs, access to healthy foods, and more. “The reality is, children’s health is touched deeply and pervasively by where they live, [...]