Nothing quite matches the pride of a new grandparent or auntie showing pictures of a new baby. At a meeting, at the grocery store, or after church, they are quick to pull out their phones and share a few pictures of the new bundle of joy. This year, I’ve been that auntie, showing off my sweet niece who was born this past Winter, when I’m catching up with friends. As much as we care for [...]
Across the Commonwealth of Kentucky, grandparents, relatives and close friends of families step up to raise children when their parents are unable. We call them ‘kinship families’ and they are important members of communities who add to the strengths of our Commonwealth. September is Kinship Care Awareness Month – a time to recognize and celebrate kinship caregivers and all that they do to support and care for the children in their care. Kentucky utilizes kinship [...]
Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates LOUISVILLE, KY – The Governor recently proclaimed September as Kinship Care Awareness Month. Typically, that would mean a time to honor those grandparents, relatives, and close family friends stepping up to care for children. Instead, Kinship Month is wrapping up on a distressing note. We can only hope that it's a case of unintended consequences and this harmful course can be reversed. Just days ago the Governor emphasized [...]
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to ensure that when children cannot remain safely in their parents’ care, they are placed with relatives (kin) or trusted family friends (fictive kin). These types of placements are preferred over entering the traditional foster care system since research shows that children in kinship care often experience more stability, maintain stronger connections to their family and culture, and have better long-term outcomes. To support this shift, [...]
Every year, Kentucky Youth Advocates releases county-level data on child well-being as part of the Kentucky KIDS COUNT project. This data helps communities understand who they are, where bright spots and opportunities are, and how to best direct resources. While many people are familiar with the 16 indicators included on the KIDS COUNT County Data Dashboard, KYA also analyzes and publishes approximately 75 county-level data points related to child well-being on the Annie E. Casey [...]
As summer winds down in Kentucky, state leaders in Frankfort are already preparing for the 2026 biennial budget session. Shortly after the 2025 legislative session concluded, lawmakers were back in action convening interim joint committees with members of both the House and Senate. The interim legislative session spanning June to December serves as an opportunity for legislators to hear presentations from various state offices on current data and program outcomes, budget requests for the next [...]
Although many families struggle to find safe and affordable child care for their young children, it can be even harder for families whose children have disabilities. Some children may need to find a child care program with accessible playgrounds that allow children in wheelchairs or walkers to move more freely in the environment. Other children may need accommodations if they have low vision or a hearing impairment. Among the most common concerns [...]
When you ask families in Kentucky what they need most, reliable child care frequently sits at the top of the list. Long waitlists, high costs, and the absence of providers make it harder for parents to work and for children to thrive in safe, supportive environments. These challenges not only strain family stability but can also increase risk of unnecessary involvement with the child welfare system when stress and unmet needs escalate. Recognizing this, Regional [...]
Kentucky continues to face rates of child maltreatment that are nearly double the national average. Infants are at the greatest risk, making up 1 in 8 victims, making the first year of life a crucial period for prevention. Policies that give parents stability during this window can make a clear difference. The first year with a newborn is both exciting and stressful. Paid family medical leave offers parents time to bond with their newborns and [...]
"Being a kinship care provider is layered in Zeal - Love in Action. Keeping my nieces together while providing a stable home was most important to me. While there have been many challenges (lack of resources, no emotional/financial support, navigating new family roles), along the way, seeing them now flourishing, happy and together makes it all worth it." – Angel L. Todd Kinship care has increasingly become a preferred solution when parents face challenges that [...]
