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 [...]
The Regional Prevention Collaboratives, one of the Thriving Families, Safer Children Kentucky initiatives, have been paving the way for proactive, community-driven resources and support for children and families. These collaboratives began during the summer of 2022 with convenings, called Visioning Sessions, where we gathered those living and working in communities to discuss local strengths and gaps, and then brainstorm ideas for community-led efforts that could prevent families from coming to the attention of the child welfare [...]
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 [...]
The Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children is a coalition of non-profit, public, and private organizations that stands on three pillars: thriving communities launch strong families, strong families launch successful kids, and successful kids launch a prosperous future for Kentucky. The Blueprint speaks with a common voice to create brighter futures for all Kentucky kids and their families. Learn more about the 2024 Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities at kyyouth.org/blueprintKY. Facing a budget session, the 2024 General Assembly was [...]
The Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children is a coalition of non-profit, public, and private organizations that stands on three pillars: thriving communities launch strong families, strong families launch successful kids, and successful kids launch a prosperous future for Kentucky. The Blueprint speaks with a common voice to create brighter futures for all Kentucky kids and their families. Learn more about the 2024 Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities at kyyouth.org/blueprintKY. As we recover from eclipse mania in [...]
This spring, the Kinship Families Coalition of Kentucky will host listening sessions across the nine Department for Community Based Services regions with our co-hosts from the Kentucky Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Network. The importance of these sessions cannot be overstated. Kinship care is when a relative or close family friend steps in to care for a child when the parents are unable to do so. This is a noble but often challenging commitment. [...]
When a parent is incarcerated, children often feel the impact on their lives in many ways. Families might lose income and have a harder time making ends meet. Children will not see their parent as often, or be able to connect with them in the same ways. On a recent webinar, “Community Strategies to Support Children with Incarcerated Parents,” participants heard from a panel of people who personally experienced the separation caused by incarceration, [...]
By Jeanna C., KY SEAT Member When we think of child protection, what usually comes to mind is how child abuse and neglect is portrayed by the media. We might think of a child who is subject to harsh and unusual punishment or deprived of basic needs. This can lead us to assume that Child Protective Services (CPS) involvement exists for bad parents who do bad things to kids. What we may not know is [...]
By Leah Wade, Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Child abuse is something that everyone can play a part in preventing. From business professionals to grandparents, to neighbors, to teachers, to grocery store clerks, everyone has a role in preventing child abuse and promoting safe environments for children. According to the recent national Child Maltreatment Report, Kentucky ranks 14th in the nation for child maltreatment. Kentucky is 60% higher than [...]
