Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

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

LOUISVILLE, KY – Today’s passage of Senate Bill 48 by the Kentucky House underscores the General Assembly commitment to improving transparency and accountability within child welfare cases so there are better outcomes for the families impacted. We are especially applauding the leadership of Senator Stephen Meredith, who has championed this measure with emphasis on strengthening the child welfare system for all involved.

The child welfare system, and specifically the process of substantiation of abuse and neglect, is complex, involves multiple departments, and can be subjective. When people feel the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) did not take appropriate steps or make the right decisions in child abuse cases, they may contact the Ombudsman’s office to file a complaint. Among several other components to boost efficiency within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, SB 48 will relocate the Ombudsman’s Office to the state Auditor’s Office to create an independent place for people to contact with concerns and to reduce potential conflicts of interest within CHFS.

With the Kosair for Kids’ Face It Movement policy team, we thank Representative Samara Heavrin and the Kentucky House for their support of SB 48 today. Once it receives final concurrence by the Senate, we ask the Governor to sign this legislation into law.

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.

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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.