This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, Terry Brooks is joined by Bruce Lesley, President of First Focus on Children, to discuss the landscape of ongoing federal advocacy needs for additional COVID-19 relief for Kentucky kids and families. This is part of a series of conversations where we examine the immediate and long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Kentucky kids and the systems that influence their lives – health care, education, early childhood [...]

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, advocates from across the state heard a discussion on changes in policies, practices, and systems that will advance racial equity for Kentucky kids and their families. Panelists include Karina Barillas, Executive Director of La Casita Center; Dr. Kish Cumi Price, Director of Education Policy & Programming at Louisville Urban League; Keturah Herron, Policy Strategist with ACLU of Kentucky; and Vivian Lasly-Bibbs, Acting Director of CHFS Office of [...]

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, advocates heard from three young people from Barren, Harlan, and Jefferson counties about their unique experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, how the National KIDS COUNT data is reflected in their lives, and ideas for improving outcomes for every Kentucky child. This is part of a series of conversations where we examine the immediate and long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Kentucky kids and the systems that [...]

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, Terry Brooks was joined by the recently appointed Commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services, Marta Miranda-Straub. DCBS includes a number of human services, such as public benefits, child care, child welfare, and more. They discuss challenges and opportunities and Commissioner Miranda-Straub's priorities around trauma-informed care and racial justice as she steps into her new role. This is part of a series of conversations where [...]