Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

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

LOUISVILLE, KY – With the Kosair for Kids Face It Movement policy team, we are commending the House Families & Children Committee supporting passage of Senate Bill 229, sponsored by Senators Julie Raque Adams, David Yates, and Danny Carroll.

The House committee substitute adopted today expands the measure’s efforts to close gaps in abuse reporting laws and strengthen how we support families at risk by allowing the transfer of child welfare case hearings to the Office of Legal Services within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. The way in which attorneys, judges, and frontline Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) caseworkers perform in the courtroom influences the time it takes for children to reach permanency, whether that is returning home to parents or relatives or being adopted. By taking steps to establish an Agency Representation Model, which is now part of SB 229, the Commonwealth can increase clarity and efficiency in roles within the child welfare system and courtroom, as well as address conflicts of interest, to create better outcomes for children and families.

As SB 229 now advances to the Kentucky House for consideration, we urge members to support the measure and for the Senate to concur so this longstanding priority can finally become 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.