Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

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

LOUISVILLE, KY – Kentucky is at a critical point within the system of family legal representation for child welfare proceedings – with concerns around the quality of legal representation being voiced by foster care alumni, birth parents, foster parents, and others in the system. Family and District Court Judges cite low compensation, challenging caseloads, and lack of local attorneys as primary causes of guardian ad litem (GAL) and court appointed counsel (CAC) shortages across the Commonwealth. 

Through the Family Representation and Advocacy Act, Representative Stephanie Dietz is leading the charge to ensure the system is improved for all involved.

For some youth in foster care, their GAL is a helping hand throughout the court process, but for others their first interaction is at their case hearing with no support or guidance. The Dependency, Neglect, and Abuse cases that GALs and CACs are involved in are complex and often require navigation during short timeframes, while clients are processing trauma and grief and complicated family dynamics. Representative Dietz’s House Bill 598 seeks to remedy those challenges by establishing the Department of Family Representation and Advocacy as an independent agency, centralizing attorney appointment, compensation, training, and oversight. 

Strengthening the quality and consistency of legal representation of children who’ve experienced abuse or neglect affects their length of time in care, timeliness to permanency, family visitation, and referrals for services. We applaud Representative Dietz for championing HB 598 and Chair Heavrin and the House Families and Children Committee for ensuring its passage today. We urge the House to take action on this legislation before the final gavel to ensure every child has the consistent legal advocacy they deserve.

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.