Data or Confetti: Making Decisions for Kids

I am a fan of Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer’s approach to decision-making for our kids’ future. He has quietly and persistently introduced a culture in which data and good research are driving systems change.  While his approach may not always be filled with confetti and pep rallies in City Hall, it is a profound one that gets results. Early in his administration, Kentucky Youth Advocates released its annual Kentucky KIDS COUNT County Data Book, in [...]

Jefferson County KIDS COUNT Data Book Reveals Common Challenges and Unequal Opportunities Across Metro Council Districts

Jeffersontown, KY – In a project made possible through the James Graham Brown Foundation, Kentucky Youth Advocates released today the Jefferson County KIDS COUNT Data Book: Child Well-Being Across Louisville Metro Council Districts. The Jefferson County KIDS COUNT Book presents data at the Council District level to provide a deeper look at the status of children and families across Louisville Metro. The data can help local leaders and community members target efforts and resources most effectively [...]

Shutting Down Government is Shutting Down Kids

For many Kentuckians, Tuesday, October 1st, 2013 was just another day, but not for me. It was the day that I realized that the shutdown of the federal government would limit my ability to fulfill the primary role of my job – utilizing timely data to advocate for Kentucky’s children. At Kentucky Youth Advocates, we champion the idea that data-based policymaking and decision-making is vital in making sure every child in Kentucky is given an [...]

Register for a Step Up for Kids Event Near You

Want to find out how you can positively impact children in Kentucky? Register to attend a 2013 Step Up for Kids event to learn about children’s priorities on the 2014 Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children Agenda and to prepare for the 10th Annual Children’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol. Legislators, advocates, and experts will discuss the issues facing Kentucky’s kids and families at these events. Attendees will have the opportunity to find out how to advocate on behalf of kids [...]

By |2013-10-08T15:45:44-04:00October 8th, 2013|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Education, Health, Youth Justice|

Fiscal Responsibility + Best Outcomes for Kids = Increased Public Safety

Money can drive decisions. Last week, the Juvenile Code Task Force heard from two states about how they've shifted money to remove the unintended financial incentives of youth being sent to state-run detention facilities. While the logistics in our state will be different, Kentucky could also benefit from creating financial incentives for serving youth in their communities instead of locking them up. Ohio created the program RECLAIM Ohio because they knew research supported keeping youth [...]

By |2013-10-08T15:36:23-04:00October 8th, 2013|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Youth Justice|

Calling All Photos!

Kentucky Youth Advocates is in the process of creating our 2013 Kids Count County Data Book. We are looking for some photos of Kentucky kids to include in this book and other Kentucky Youth Advocates publications. We know you all proudly share pictures of your kids and grandkids by carrying them in your wallet, on Instagram and on Facebook! Here’s a great chance to promote those great kids through Kentucky Youth Advocates materials.   Examples [...]

Unified Juvenile Code Task Force Continues to Make Progress with Help of Pew Charitable Trust

In a conference room at the capitol filled with legislators, stakeholders, and advocates, I learned how important fixing youth justice is for Kentucky.  I am a new intern with Kentucky Youth Advocates, and I recently had the opportunity to attend a Unified Juvenile Code Task Force meeting.  I was fortunate to see Pew Charitable Trust’s initial presentation about their research on the state of youth justice in Kentucky.  Though I was surprised at the number [...]

By |2013-09-12T10:43:08-04:00September 12th, 2013|Blog, Youth Justice|

Spotlight on Youth: Working to Help Crossover Youth

Adolescents that move between the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, or are known to both concurrently are referred to as crossover youth. Crossover youth often enter the juvenile justice system at younger ages than other youth, have been traumatized by maltreatment, have higher rates of detention and incarceration than other youth charged with similar offenses, and frequently experience academic failure and homelessness. This recognition has lead to a greater understanding of the complex and [...]

By |2013-09-04T10:57:23-04:00September 4th, 2013|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Youth Justice|

Exciting Announcement Holds Promise for Youth Justice Reform

At the beginning of 2013, much of the talk in Frankfort was about the new bipartisan tone in the General Assembly and how long it would last. It appears to be sticking around, and it’s good for Kentucky kids. Beyond a bipartisan tone, the co-chairs of the Juvenile Code Task Force have exemplified effective, bipartisan leadership for children. Last week, Senator Whitney Westerfield and Representative John Tilley, co-chairs of the Task Force announced that they [...]

By |2013-08-29T14:05:34-04:00August 29th, 2013|Blog, Youth Justice|
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