Almost 70% of children under the age of 6 go to some type of formalized child care outside of the home. As a working mom, both of my sons went to licensed child care centers so that I could work. When I was growing up, that is not what I expected. My mother stayed at home with me and my sister until we both entered kindergarten. I was blessed that she was able [...]
It is always a bittersweet moment when the gavel drops on day 60 for the Kentucky General Assembly. Both advocates and legislators alike closed the chapter on a season where debates were had, hearts were opened, and policies passed. While the session may come to a close, the work of Bloom Kentucky continues as we work to advance policies and budgetary investments that create the conditions that shape the environments where children and [...]
This op-ed was originally posted by the NKyTribune on April 27, 2026. By Shannon Moody and Barry Dunn "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” The Little Engine That Could taught many of us the power of persistence – not giving up when the going gets tough and maintaining a sense of hopefulness when all seems lost. That mantra, backed by the persistence of our community partners, helps the Kosair for Kids Face [...]
Every year, we at Kentucky Youth Advocates anxiously watch the final days and hours of the state legislative session, hopeful our legislators will send a few more ‘good for kids’ bills to the Governor’s desk – even as we know the realities of those odds are stacked against us. Of the 1,293 bills and resolutions filed this year, approximately 174 passed through both Chambers and were signed, vetoed and then overrode, or became [...]
Every two years, our state lawmakers convene to shape the Commonwealth’s biennial budget – taking into consideration the needs across Kentucky, the limitations or opportunities of the revenue, and, especially of late, sustaining a healthy rainy day fund. Kentucky’s last few budgets were bolstered by federal COVID dollars. This time around, our lawmakers not only had to navigate less federal support, but also the budget realities that federal HR1 has brought to our [...]
By Kiera Dunk As many people focus on the headlines coming out of the federal government, they often overlook what is happening at the state level. While the state government has a direct impact on our daily lives, people have more power than they realize to influence it. Two years ago, I started this journey with Kyan’s Law, sharing his story and hoping to bring him justice while preventing other deaths like his. Currently, that [...]
At least 6% - twice the national average - of Kentucky kids are known to be in the care of relative or fictive kin caregivers, collectively known as kinship caregivers. Kinship caregivers are diverse, and each situation is different, but most of us came into it without enough preparation or support. The Kinship Families Coalition of Kentucky exists to address this issue through education and policy recommendations. This month, as part of the Coalition’s efforts [...]
Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates LOUISVILLE, KY – Child care advocates are cheering as House Bill 6 passed the Kentucky Senate floor this afternoon. With the leadership of Representative Samara Heavrin, this robust legislation thoughtfully strengthens Kentucky’s child care infrastructure for the bottom line of families, businesses, and the state budget. Among its many components, HB 6 will impact accessibility, affordability, and availability of quality [...]
Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates LOUISVILLE, KY – On the eve of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Kentucky General Assembly has taken critical action on two legislative priorities related to child safety and abuse prevention – House Bill 253, including provisions of House Bill 102, and House Bill 4 – both of which are now headed to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. [...]
Whether “right” or “left”, state legislators are acknowledging the role and impact of social media on youth. House Bill 227, sponsored by Representative Lockett with cosponsors growing each day, creates some guardrails for social media companies. This legislation specifically requires age verification procedures, prohibits specific “addictive features,” and sets privacy setting requirements and parental rights around account management. It also authorizes the Attorney General to bring forth action on behalf of Kentuckians where appropriate. As [...]
