Contact:
Mara Powell
502-895-8167 *122
mpowell@kyyouth.org

Statement by Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates

Our state leaders understand that kids thrive when they are safe and have the support of a family. And they continue to demonstrate that commitment by overwhelmingly supporting House Bill 158, championed by Representative David Meade, which passed the Senate Health and Welfare Committee today.

HB 158 is Kentucky’s first step to ensuring state law is aligned with the comprehensive federal legislation, Family First Prevention Services Act. Off the heels of last year’s House Bill 1 child welfare reforms and state budget investments, Family First offers a prime opportunity for the commonwealth to propel child welfare transformation efforts and continue to improve policies and practices that focus on keeping kids safe and with a family. It also prioritizes the young people who’ve experienced abuse or neglect by establishing a bill of rights for children in foster care.

We applaud Representative Meade for his leadership on HB 158 and the Senate Health and Welfare for their unanimous support of this legislation. Thank you to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services for their support of HB 158 and work to improve the well-being of children in foster care.

Stay up-to-date on Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities and other bills that are good for kids on our Kentucky General Assembly Bill Tracker.

###

About Kentucky Youth Advocates
Kentucky Youth Advocates believes all children deserve to be safe, healthy, and secure. As THE independent voice for Kentucky’s children, we work to ensure policymakers create investments and policies that are good for children. Learn more at www.kyyouth.org.