Kentucky KIDS COUNT County Data Book Shows Need to Prevent Childhood Trauma
Contact: Andrea Bennett 502-381-1176 abennett@kyyouth.org Jeffersontown, KY – The 2014 Kentucky KIDS COUNT County Data Book released today by Kentucky Youth Advocates provides a picture of the status of children in Kentucky counties based on 16 indicators of child well-being. State and local leaders can use the book to help evaluate what is going well for kids and where improvements need to be made. This is the 24th annual release of the Kentucky County Data Book, which represents a county-level counterpart to the 2014 national KIDS COUNT Data Book that was released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation in July. This year’s County [...]
25th Edition of National KIDS COUNT Data Book Highlights Changes in Child Well-Being Since 1990
Contact: Andrea Bennett 502-381-1176 abennett@kyyouth.org Jeffersontown, KY – Kentucky ranks 35th in the nation on overall child well-being, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2014 national KIDS COUNT Data Book co-released today by Kentucky Youth Advocates. This year’s book marks the 25th edition of the annual publication. The national KIDS COUNT Data Book provides state level data and rankings. The 2014 Kentucky KIDS COUNT County Data Book, which includes county level data and rankings, will be released in September. In addition to ranking 35th in overall child well-being, Kentucky ranks 35th in Economic Well-Being, 30th in Education, 28th in Health, and 40th in Family and Community. Kentucky’s rankings are similar to those of the past two years (which used the same 16 indicators), and all 16 indicators of well-being continue to move in the [...]
Statement on Child Care Eligibility Being Raised to 140% of Poverty Beginning August 4
Kentucky families and local economies won today as Governor Beshear announced that the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) would be restored in early August. Particularly significant is the Governor’s commitment to increase eligibility from its current level – 100% - to 140% this fiscal year with an increase to 150% of poverty in July 2015. That means parents can keep their jobs and ensure quality care for their children. That means child care centers – such a vital element of the small business community across the Commonwealth - can sustain viable operations. That means the power of quality early childhood experiences [...]
New Report Shows how Integrated Health Care Benefits Kentucky’s Children
Contact: Andrea Bennett abennett@kyyouth.org 502-381-1176 Jeffersontown, KY – A new issue brief from Kentucky Youth Advocates, Integrated Health Care Benefits Kentucky's Children, examines the advantages of integrated health care as a way to improve the health of children in the state. In Kentucky, too many children struggle with poor health or have special health care needs. Kentucky’s health care system has undergone many changes in recent years. As these changes continue to be implemented, it is important for the state to ensure that the comprehensive health needs of children are being met through improved access to high-quality care that encompasses [...]
Statement by Terry Brooks, executive director, on Funding for Child Care in the Final Proposed Budget
Contact: Andrea Bennett abennett@kyyouth.org 502-381-1176 Jeffersontown, KY - Budgets are about tough choices. And the good news is that the final budget proposed by the House and Senate places a priority on Kentucky's kids in many ways. While there are several key kid components to applaud, we especially want to underscore the progress made in restoring funding for the Child Care Assistance Program. Do we wish that full restoration of the program, which was cut last year, could have occurred in the immediate? Absolutely, and there will be far too many Kentucky families who have to struggle deciding whether to work or [...]
Statement by Terry Brooks, executive director, on House Passage of SB 200 to Reform Juvenile Justice
Contact: Andrea Bennett abennett@kyyouth.org (502)381-1176 Jeffersontown, KY - Today, the House passed SB 200 - a significant piece of legislation to move Kentucky forward on doing what works in juvenile justice and to use taxpayer dollars more wisely. SB 200 will achieve better outcomes for children and their families by only using incarceration and out-of-home placements when necessary. Research shows kids can often be more effectively served in the community. We commend Representative Tilley and Senator Westerfield for their leadership to make sure Kentucky spends limited resources to get the outcomes that are best for families and our communities. This bill will enhance public [...]
Statement by Terry Brooks, executive director, on House Passage of SB 176 (Kinship Authorization Law)
Contact: Andrea Bennett abennett@kyyouth.org (502) 381-1176 Jeffersontown, KY - We celebrate today’s passage of SB 176 by the Kentucky House sponsored by Senator Denise Harper Angel. This important bill for kinship families has now passed both chambers and should soon head to the Governor for his signature. SB 176 affirms the importance Kentuckians place on family values. It ensures that the 59,000 children in Kentucky being raised by grandparents and other relatives can access fundamental services like health care and educational services when legal guardianship is not feasible. Research shows that children fare better when cared for by relatives compared to foster care [...]
Statement by Terry Brooks, executive director, on House Judiciary Committee Passage of SB 200 (Juvenile Justice)
Contact: Andrea Bennett abennett@kyyouth.org (502) 381-1176 Jeffersontown, KY - Today, the House Judiciary Committee passed SB 200, meaning the bill is just steps away from becoming a reality. SB 200 will ensure better outcomes for children and their families by reducing Kentucky’s use of incarceration and out-of-home placements when research shows kids can be more effectively served in the community. We commend Representative Tilley and Senator Westerfield for their leadership to make sure Kentucky spends limited resources to get the outcomes that are best for families and our communities. This bill will enhance public safety by shifting Kentucky spending in [...]
Statement by Terry Brooks, executive director, on Senate Passage of Budget with Child Care Assistance Funding (HB 235)
Contact: Andrea Bennett abennett@kyyouth.org 502-381-1176 Jeffersontown, KY - We thank Kentucky Senators for passing a budget today that includes funding for the Child Care Assistance Program. Child care assistance is a win for kids, a win for families, and a win for the state budget. We know budgets require tough choices, and we appreciate the Senate making this positive choice for kids and hard-working parents. Since the cuts last year, parents losing child care assistance have had to make tough decisions like quitting their jobs or relying on child care situations that may not be safe for their children. The [...]
Statement by Terry Brooks, executive director, on Senate Passage of SB 176 (Kinship Care Authorization Law)
Contact: Andrea Bennett abennett@kyyouth.org (502) 381-1176 Jeffersontown, KY - Today’s passage of SB 176 by the Senate affirms the importance Kentuckians place on family values. The bill ensures that the 59,000 children in Kentucky being raised by grandparents and other relatives can access fundamental services like health care and education. Research shows that children fare better when cared for by relatives compared to foster care with strangers. Many times grandparents, aunts and uncles, and other relatives step in to care for children in their extended family on a temporary basis until the parents can stabilize their living situation. For some relative caregivers, [...]