Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

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

LOUISVILLE, KY – Thousands of Kentucky’s kinship and fictive kin families flat out won today with the final passage of Senate Bill 151, championed by Senator Julie Raque Adams, by the Kentucky House. Just as these caregivers step up at a moment’s notice to provide a safe space for their young loved ones to grow and heal, our General Assembly has stepped up once again to prioritize the well-being of these children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

While Kentucky provides financial assistance to relative or fictive kin caregivers who choose to become certified foster parents through DCBS, that decision is only offered up at the initial conversation about placement – which can be an overwhelming time plagued with confusion and many decisions. SB 151 seeks to close that gap in potential access to additional supports by allowing a relative or fictive kin caregiver to apply within 120 days or upon a qualifying event to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to be a relative or fictive kin foster home. It also would allow the young people themselves a say in where they are placed upon removal from their home.

From Norma Hatfield, president of Kinship Families Coalition of Kentucky:

“There are moments in time where you can feel the earth move. Today, was one that shifted the tides for many kinship families, and the epicenter was at the Capitol. The House unanimously passed SB 151. This bill was the right thing for Kentucky and every legislator in the House and Senate acknowledged that with their vote. I’m so grateful to Senator Julie Raque Adams for being the catalyst to change the world for many kinship families today and for tomorrow.”

When a child must be removed from their home for safety reasons, placing children with relatives or family friends helps to maintain connections to traditions and siblings, reduce the trauma and stress associated with being placed in foster care, and can lead to fewer educational disruptions. Along with the Kinship Families Coalition of Kentucky, we thank Senator Raque Adams and Representative Samara Heavrin for their support of kinship and fictive kin families and the Kentucky House for ensuring passage of SB 151 today. Once it’s concurred upon in the Senate, we urge the Governor to sign this measure into law so our kinship children and families can have access to supports they need to thrive.

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.