Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

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

LOUISVILLE, KY – Ending the trafficking and exploitation of children is a key component of keeping all Kentucky kids safe – from our cities to our most rural communities. That is why we were encouraged to hear Governor Andy Beshear’s announcement today to expand efforts in the commonwealth to prevent, recognize, and intervene in instances of human trafficking.

By continuing to bring awareness to the issue of child trafficking and implementing evidence-based tools to identify and respond to victims, children and their families will be more quickly connected to resources to heal, and perpetrators will more likely be held accountable. Every child deserves to grow up healthy and hopeful for a bright future, and this trauma-informed, statewide approach allows frontline Department for Community Based Services staff, foster parents, and providers across Kentucky access to necessary resources and information.

It will take the combined efforts of the Beshear Administration, Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s office, leaders in the General Assembly, our critically important Child Advocacy Centers across the state, as well as public and private agencies and concerned members of the community to truly make an impact and end the trafficking and exploitation of Kentucky’s kids.

If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888. Anti-trafficking hotline advocates are available 24/7 to take reports of potential human trafficking. For more information visit, humantraffickinghotline.org/report-trafficking.

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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.