As the watchdog for Kentucky kids, Kentucky Youth Advocates is monitoring policy developments, collaborating with state and national partners, and communicating with decision-makers to help Kentucky through the COVID-19 crisis. Now, perhaps more than ever, Kentuckians are relying on state and federal leaders to prioritize kids, and organizations that work with families must rely on one another.
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ADVOCATE VIRTUAL FORUMS
Each week in 2020, after the COVID-19 pandemic began, Kentucky Youth Advocates hosted a forum where organizations, advocates, and decision-makers worked together to best support kids and families. These forums are archived below and on our youtube channel.
Join Kentucky Youth Advocates in 2021 for virtual events including Children’s Advocacy Week at the Capitol. To learn more please sign up for email updates and action alerts. Virtual events related to the 2021 General Assembly will be posted on our Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children page.
Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for their support of the Advocate Virtual Forums. Learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family’s wellbeing in mind.
A Look at the Impact of Maternal Incarceration & Addiction on KY Children | December 16, 2020
This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss the intersection of incarceration, substance abuse, and parenting–including new data about mothers who are incarcerated and state policy changes that would allow parents to be held accountable while remaining connected to their child. Panelists included Jennifer Hancock, president and CEO of Volunteers of America Mid-States, and Chaly Downs, graduate of VOA’s Freedom House Women’s Addiction Recovery Program.
Launching the 2021 Blueprint for KY’s Children Policy Priorities | December 9, 2020
This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss the 2021 Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children state policy priorities, which seeks to address child health, safety, education, families’ economic security, and more. Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers also joins the forum for a look ahead to the 2021 Kentucky General Assembly.
2020 KIDS COUNT County Data Book: What Gets Measured Gets Changed | December 2, 2020
This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we continue our discussion on data and policy solutions from the new 2020 KIDS COUNT County Data Book, including the theme of this year’s book — the impact of the “dual pandemics” of COVID-19 and racial injustice. A special thanks to state Senator Julie Raque Adams, Majority Caucus Chair, and state Representative Angie Hatton, Minority Whip, for sharing their takeaways from the data and a look ahead to the 2021 General Assembly.
2020 KIDS COUNT County Data Book: “Dual Pandemics” | November 18, 2020
This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss data and policy solutions from the new 2020 KIDS COUNT County Data Book, including the theme of this year’s book — the impact of the “dual pandemics” of COVID-19 and racial injustice. Panelists included Dr. Henrietta Bada, Director of the Maternal and Child Health Division, Kentucky Department for Public Health; Mike Hammons, Senior Director of Advocacy for Learning Grove; and Dr. Kish Cumi Price, Director of Education Policy and Programming at Louisville Urban League.
Medicaid Open Enrollment 2021 | November 11, 2020
This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss Medicaid open enrollment, including what’s new for this year, such as the Supporting Kentucky Youth (SKY) program that will provide health services for all kids living in foster care. Panelists include Allison Adams, Vice President for Public Policy at the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky; Veronica Cecil, Deputy Commissioner at Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services; Kelly Pullen, Executive Director of Kentucky SKY; and Ashley Shoemaker, Director of Outreach and Enrollment at Family Health Centers.
Advocate Self-Care Workshop | November 4, 2020
This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, Dr. Joe Bargione of the Bounce Coalition led us through a self-care workshop to help us maintain the energy we need to continue our advocacy on behalf of Kentucky kids. As advocates battle the pandemic, support the community, experience personal and professional uncertainty, and sift through election news, it is important that we continue to care for ourselves.
Substance Use Amidst the Pandemic | October 28, 2020
This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss substance use amidst COVID-19, the intersection of trauma and substance use, and how state policies and budget investments can best respond and prevent substance use, especially for families with children. Panelists included Toya Gatewood, Clinical Manager at the Morton Center; Carolina Glover, Case Manager for the Daviess Circuit Court, Family Division; and Tiffany Hall, Chief Operating Officer at Volunteers of America Mid-States.
Recognizing, Intervening, and Preventing Human Trafficking | October 21, 2020
This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss human trafficking and exploitation, including types of trafficking, prevalence in Kentucky, prevention and intervention strategies, and the impact of COVID-19. Panelists included Marissa Castellanos, Director of the Bakhita Empowerment Initiative at Catholic Charities of Louisville; Rebecca Sim, Director of the Immigration Legal Services at Catholic Charities of Louisville; and Dr. Ginny Sprang, Executive Director of the Center on Trauma and Children at the University of Kentucky.
Tobacco-Free Policies: Wins for Kids and Work Left to Do | October 14, 2020
The Impacts on Families Experiencing Domestic Violence | October 7, 2020
Understanding and Advocating for Paid Family Leave | September 30, 2020
Child Abuse Prevention & the TEN-4 Bruising Rule | September 23, 2020
An Update on Child Care | September 16, 2020
Supporting Kinship Families | September 9, 2020
Making Kids Count in the 2020 Election | September 2, 2020
Understanding and Mitigating Trauma | August 26, 2020
A Conversation with Congressman John Yarmuth | August 19, 2020
A forum with Congressman John Yarmuth, Chair of the U.S. House Budget Committee, about pending federal legislation and potential impacts on Kentucky kids and families.
Federal Action Needed for Kentucky | August 12, 2020
A forum with partners from across Kentucky to discuss priorities for kids and families as Congress debates the next federal COVID-19 relief package, including the U.S. House of Representatives’ HEROES Act and the U.S. Senate’s HEALS Act. To localize those ongoing federal conversations, we heard from several Kentucky leaders and advocates, including: Adrienne Bush, Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky; Dr. Jim Flynn, Kentucky Association of School Superintendents; LaShana Harris, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice; Lisa Lee, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Medicaid; and Mandy Simpson, Metro United Way. We thank Senate Majority Leader McConnell staff for also joining us for this forum.
COVID-19 Impacts on the Kentucky Child Welfare Community: A Public Health Crisis Meets a Vulnerable System | August 4, 2020
A forum in partnership with Casey Family Programs, as we discuss solutions to move our commonwealth’s child welfare system forward as we navigate and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. We heard from state leaders, Kentuckians connected to the child welfare system, and community partners. Topics include new research findings, challenges different groups within the child welfare system are facing, barriers to accessing services, what is working well, and actionable solutions to support kids and families as we continue to adjust to–and eventually rebuild from–this crisis.
An Update on the Federal Advocacy Landscape | July 29, 2020
A forum with Bruce Lesley, President of First Focus on Children–a national advocacy group for kids and families–about the federal landscape related to Congress, kids, and families.
Supporting Children with Special Needs | July 22, 2020
A forum discussing the challenges facing kids with special needs and their families during COVID-19–and the new opportunities that have arisen to better meet these kids’ needs. Panelists include Dana Eckert, Case Manager with Seven Counties Services; Dr. Debbie Mays, Education Consultant with the Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative; Kristy Stiltner, Mental Health Director with Mountain Comprehensive Care; and Lori Wilson, Executive Director of Carriage House Educational Services.
Hunger and Food Access | July 15, 2020
A forum discussing solutions to increase access to nutritional, affordable food in the wake of COVID-19. Panelists include Dr. Ryan Quarles, Kentucky Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture; Leah Feagin, Vice President of the Kentucky School Nutrition Association; and Kate McDonald, KY Kids Eat Coordinator with Feeding Kentucky.
Landscape for Policies, Practices, and Systems Changes to Advance Racial Equity | July 8, 2020
A forum discussing the landscape for 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 Health Equity.
New KIDS COUNT Data and Disparate Experiences of Youth | July 1, 2020
In this forum we discussed data from the newly released Annie E. Casey Foundation’s national 2020 KIDS COUNT Data Book, including data showing disparate outcomes for kids based on race, place, and income. We also heard from Kentucky youth as they give voice to the data and share how they see that data reflected in their own lives and in their community.
A Conversation with DCBS Commissioner Marta Miranda-Straub | June 24, 2020
KYA 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.
The Realities Facing Parents Returning to Work | June 17, 2020
A forum discussing the challenges of parents/caregivers returning to work, including practical concerns and managing stress, and how employers and state systems can best support those parents. Panelists include Clanisha Coleman, Shawnee Club Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana; Bill Londrigan, President of Kentucky AFL-CIO; and Ashli Watts, President and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
The Future of K-12 Education Amidst COVID-19 | June 10, 2020
A forum with the Kentucky Board of Education, in which we discussed the future of K-12 education amidst COVID-19. Panelists include Chair of the Kentucky Board of Education, Dr. Lu Young, and board member Patrice McCrary.
Reopening Child Care | June 03, 2020
A forum about reopening child care across Kentucky, including the anticipated impact on child care providers, families, and businesses. Featuring Dr. Sarah Vanover, Director of the Kentucky Division of Child Care; Travis Burton with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce; June Widman, Executive Director at Eastern KY Child Care Coalition; and Jennifer Washburn, Executive Director at iKids Childhood Enrichment Center.
Reality & Future of K-12 Education | May 27, 2020
A forum discussing the future of K-12 education amidst COVID-19. Featuring Penny Christian, President of the 16th District PTA; Dr. Elizabeth Dinkins, Dean of Bellarmine University School of Education; Brent McKim, President of Jefferson County Teachers Association; and Dr. Leon Mooneyhan, CEO of Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative.
The Future of Education and Workforce with Lieutenant Governor Coleman | May 20, 2020
A forum with Kentucky’s Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, Jacqueline Coleman, as we discuss the future of education and workforce–and more.
Families, Children & Young Adults in Foster Care | May 13, 2020
This forum addressed the impact of COVID-19 on foster families, children and young adults in foster care, and the organizations that serve them. Panelists include: Grace Akers, CEO of St. Joe’s Children’s Home; Dr. Austin Griffiths, Assistant Professor of Social Work at WKU and Director, Center for Child Welfare Education and Research; Tia Humphrey, UL student and member of Voices of the Commonwealth; and Dale Suttles, President of Sunrise Children’s Services.
Child Welfare Workforce | May 06, 2020
This forum discussed the child welfare workforce in the wake of COVID-19 and the resulting effects on kids and families. Panelists included Kentucky Department for Community Based Services Deputy Commissioner Elizabeth Caywood; Dr. Jay Miller, Dean of the UK College of Social Work; and Brenda Rosen, Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers-Kentucky Chapter.
Looking Back at the 2020 KY General Assembly & Looking Ahead to 2021 | April 29, 2020
Health Care, Access, and Equity | April 22, 2020
Prioritizing Kids and Families in Upcoming Federal Stimulus Bills | April 15, 2020
Partners and staff from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s office discussed prioritizing kids and families in upcoming COVID-19 federal legislation.
Federal Supports for Families | April 08, 2020
This forum discussed the federal supports recently passed by Congress and how those will impact the lives of Kentucky families and the businesses that serve them. Featuring Deb Stein, Network Director of Partnership for America’s Children.
COVID-19 Sector Impact | March 25, 2020
A forum about the impact of COVID-19 on sectors serving kids and families, including remarks from Acting Secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Eric Friedlander.
ADVOCATE VIRTUAL FORUMS
Each week in 2020, after the COVID-19 pandemic began, Kentucky Youth Advocates hosted a forum where organizations, advocates, and decision-makers worked together to best support kids and families. These forums are archived below and on our youtube channel.
Join Kentucky Youth Advocates in 2021 for virtual events including Children’s Advocacy Week at the Capitol. To learn more please sign up for email updates and action alerts. Virtual events related to the 2021 General Assembly will be posted on our Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children page.
Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for their support of the Advocate Virtual Forums. Learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family’s wellbeing in mind.
A Look at the Impact of Maternal Incarceration & Addiction on KY Children | December 16, 2020
This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss the intersection of incarceration, substance abuse, and parenting–including new data about mothers who are incarcerated and state policy changes that would allow parents to be held accountable while remaining connected to their child. Panelists included Jennifer Hancock, president and CEO of Volunteers of America Mid-States, and Chaly Downs, graduate of VOA’s Freedom House Women’s Addiction Recovery Program.
Launching the 2021 Blueprint for KY’s Children Policy Priorities | December 9, 2020
This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss the 2021 Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children state policy priorities, which seeks to address child health, safety, education, families’ economic security, and more. Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers also joins the forum for a look ahead to the 2021 Kentucky General Assembly.
2020 KIDS COUNT County Data Book: What Gets Measured Gets Changed | December 2, 2020
This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we continue our discussion on data and policy solutions from the new 2020 KIDS COUNT County Data Book, including the theme of this year’s book — the impact of the “dual pandemics” of COVID-19 and racial injustice. A special thanks to state Senator Julie Raque Adams, Majority Caucus Chair, and state Representative Angie Hatton, Minority Whip, for sharing their takeaways from the data and a look ahead to the 2021 General Assembly.
2020 KIDS COUNT County Data Book: “Dual Pandemics” | November 18, 2020
This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss data and policy solutions from the new 2020 KIDS COUNT County Data Book, including the theme of this year’s book — the impact of the “dual pandemics” of COVID-19 and racial injustice. Panelists included Dr. Henrietta Bada, Director of the Maternal and Child Health Division, Kentucky Department for Public Health; Mike Hammons, Senior Director of Advocacy for Learning Grove; and Dr. Kish Cumi Price, Director of Education Policy and Programming at Louisville Urban League.
Medicaid Open Enrollment 2021 | November 11, 2020
This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss Medicaid open enrollment, including what’s new for this year, such as the Supporting Kentucky Youth (SKY) program that will provide health services for all kids living in foster care. Panelists include Allison Adams, Vice President for Public Policy at the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky; Veronica Cecil, Deputy Commissioner at Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services; Kelly Pullen, Executive Director of Kentucky SKY; and Ashley Shoemaker, Director of Outreach and Enrollment at Family Health Centers.
Advocate Self-Care Workshop | November 4, 2020
This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, Dr. Joe Bargione of the Bounce Coalition led us through a self-care workshop to help us maintain the energy we need to continue our advocacy on behalf of Kentucky kids. As advocates battle the pandemic, support the community, experience personal and professional uncertainty, and sift through election news, it is important that we continue to care for ourselves.
Substance Use Amidst the Pandemic | October 28, 2020
This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss substance use amidst COVID-19, the intersection of trauma and substance use, and how state policies and budget investments can best respond and prevent substance use, especially for families with children. Panelists included Toya Gatewood, Clinical Manager at the Morton Center; Carolina Glover, Case Manager for the Daviess Circuit Court, Family Division; and Tiffany Hall, Chief Operating Officer at Volunteers of America Mid-States.
Recognizing, Intervening, and Preventing Human Trafficking | October 21, 2020
This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss human trafficking and exploitation, including types of trafficking, prevalence in Kentucky, prevention and intervention strategies, and the impact of COVID-19. Panelists included Marissa Castellanos, Director of the Bakhita Empowerment Initiative at Catholic Charities of Louisville; Rebecca Sim, Director of the Immigration Legal Services at Catholic Charities of Louisville; and Dr. Ginny Sprang, Executive Director of the Center on Trauma and Children at the University of Kentucky.
Tobacco-Free Policies: Wins for Kids and Work Left to Do | October 14, 2020
The Impacts on Families Experiencing Domestic Violence | October 7, 2020
Understanding and Advocating for Paid Family Leave | September 30, 2020
Child Abuse Prevention & the TEN-4 Bruising Rule | September 23, 2020
An Update on Child Care | September 16, 2020
Supporting Kinship Families | September 9, 2020
Making Kids Count in the 2020 Election | September 2, 2020
Understanding and Mitigating Trauma | August 26, 2020
Federal Action Needed for Kentucky | August 12, 2020
A forum with partners from across Kentucky to discuss priorities for kids and families as Congress debates the next federal COVID-19 relief package, including the U.S. House of Representatives’ HEROES Act and the U.S. Senate’s HEALS Act. To localize those ongoing federal conversations, we heard from several Kentucky leaders and advocates, including: Adrienne Bush, Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky; Dr. Jim Flynn, Kentucky Association of School Superintendents; LaShana Harris, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice; Lisa Lee, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Medicaid; and Mandy Simpson, Metro United Way. We thank Senate Majority Leader McConnell staff for also joining us for this forum.
COVID-19 Impacts on the Kentucky Child Welfare Community: A Public Health Crisis Meets a Vulnerable System | August 4, 2020
A forum in partnership with Casey Family Programs, as we discuss solutions to move our commonwealth’s child welfare system forward as we navigate and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. We heard from state leaders, Kentuckians connected to the child welfare system, and community partners. Topics include new research findings, challenges different groups within the child welfare system are facing, barriers to accessing services, what is working well, and actionable solutions to support kids and families as we continue to adjust to–and eventually rebuild from–this crisis.
An Update on the Federal Advocacy Landscape | July 29, 2020
A forum with Bruce Lesley, President of First Focus on Children–a national advocacy group for kids and families–about the federal landscape related to Congress, kids, and families.
Supporting Children with Special Needs | July 22, 2020
A forum discussing the challenges facing kids with special needs and their families during COVID-19–and the new opportunities that have arisen to better meet these kids’ needs. Panelists include Dana Eckert, Case Manager with Seven Counties Services; Dr. Debbie Mays, Education Consultant with the Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative; Kristy Stiltner, Mental Health Director with Mountain Comprehensive Care; and Lori Wilson, Executive Director of Carriage House Educational Services.
Hunger and Food Access | July 15, 2020
A forum discussing solutions to increase access to nutritional, affordable food in the wake of COVID-19. Panelists include Dr. Ryan Quarles, Kentucky Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture; Leah Feagin, Vice President of the Kentucky School Nutrition Association; and Kate McDonald, KY Kids Eat Coordinator with Feeding Kentucky.
Landscape for Policies, Practices, and Systems Changes to Advance Racial Equity | July 8, 2020
A forum discussing the landscape for 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 Health Equity.
New KIDS COUNT Data and Disparate Experiences of Youth | July 1, 2020
In this forum we discussed data from the newly released Annie E. Casey Foundation’s national 2020 KIDS COUNT Data Book, including data showing disparate outcomes for kids based on race, place, and income. We also heard from Kentucky youth as they give voice to the data and share how they see that data reflected in their own lives and in their community.
A Conversation with DCBS Commissioner Marta Miranda-Straub | June 24, 2020
KYA 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.
The Realities Facing Parents Returning to Work | June 17, 2020
A forum discussing the challenges of parents/caregivers returning to work, including practical concerns and managing stress, and how employers and state systems can best support those parents. Panelists include Clanisha Coleman, Shawnee Club Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana; Bill Londrigan, President of Kentucky AFL-CIO; and Ashli Watts, President and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
The Future of K-12 Education Amidst COVID-19 | June 10, 2020
A forum with the Kentucky Board of Education, in which we discussed the future of K-12 education amidst COVID-19. Panelists include Chair of the Kentucky Board of Education, Dr. Lu Young, and board member Patrice McCrary.
Reopening Child Care | June 03, 2020
A forum about reopening child care across Kentucky, including the anticipated impact on child care providers, families, and businesses. Featuring Dr. Sarah Vanover, Director of the Kentucky Division of Child Care; Travis Burton with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce; June Widman, Executive Director at Eastern KY Child Care Coalition; and Jennifer Washburn, Executive Director at iKids Childhood Enrichment Center.
Reality & Future of K-12 Education | May 27, 2020
A forum discussing the future of K-12 education amidst COVID-19. Featuring Penny Christian, President of the 16th District PTA; Dr. Elizabeth Dinkins, Dean of Bellarmine University School of Education; Brent McKim, President of Jefferson County Teachers Association; and Dr. Leon Mooneyhan, CEO of Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative.
The Future of Education and Workforce with Lieutenant Governor Coleman | May 20, 2020
A forum with Kentucky’s Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, Jacqueline Coleman, as we discuss the future of education and workforce–and more.
Families, Children & Young Adults in Foster Care | May 13, 2020
This forum addressed the impact of COVID-19 on foster families, children and young adults in foster care, and the organizations that serve them. Panelists include: Grace Akers, CEO of St. Joe’s Children’s Home; Dr. Austin Griffiths, Assistant Professor of Social Work at WKU and Director, Center for Child Welfare Education and Research; Tia Humphrey, UL student and member of Voices of the Commonwealth; and Dale Suttles, President of Sunrise Children’s Services.
Child Welfare Workforce | May 06, 2020
This forum discussed the child welfare workforce in the wake of COVID-19 and the resulting effects on kids and families. Panelists included Kentucky Department for Community Based Services Deputy Commissioner Elizabeth Caywood; Dr. Jay Miller, Dean of the UK College of Social Work; and Brenda Rosen, Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers-Kentucky Chapter.
Looking Back at the 2020 KY General Assembly & Looking Ahead to 2021 | April 29, 2020
Health Care, Access, and Equity | April 22, 2020
Prioritizing Kids and Families in Upcoming Federal Stimulus Bills | April 15, 2020
Partners and staff from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s office discussed prioritizing kids and families in upcoming COVID-19 federal legislation.
Federal Supports for Families | April 8, 2020
This forum discussed the federal supports recently passed by Congress and how those will impact the lives of Kentucky families and the businesses that serve them. Featuring Deb Stein, Network Director of Partnership for America’s Children.
COVID-19 Sector Impact | March 25, 2020
A forum about the impact of COVID-19 on sectors serving kids and families, including remarks from Acting Secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Eric Friedlander.