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

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

We applaud the Kentucky Senate for passing SB 137, which seeks to address abuse and protect future victims by giving judges the option to allow testimony from a trustworthy adult to whom a child has disclosed abuse. When adults are held accountable in the court system, kids are safer from abuse.

If a young child has been a victim of abuse, trauma and fear may affect their ability to testify in court. Their fear or inability should not prevent a judge from hearing the most complete information about a child’s experience, which is crucial in reaching an informed decision in child abuse cases. SB 137 takes a reasonable and measured approach – as has been done in other states – to give courts more complete information when a child has been abused. We commend Senator Whitney Westerfield for sponsoring this important measure.

SB 137 is a priority of the Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children and Kosair Charities’ Face It movement to end child abuse.

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.