Statement on Passage of SB 229 by the Kentucky Senate

Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

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

LOUISVILLE, KY – At 6th in the nation in the rate of child maltreatment, the Commonwealth has made progress but still has a long way to go in child maltreatment prevention efforts. Yet, we can celebrate today as Kentucky is one step closer to closing gaps in abuse reporting laws and strengthening how we support families at risk.

Senate Bill 229, championed by Senators Julie Raque Adams, David Yates, and Danny Carroll, passed the Kentucky Senate unanimously today. This measure is a longstanding priority of the Kosair for Kids Face It Movement policy team and we are eager for its passage by the Kentucky House before the final gavel at the end of this month.

Within SB 229, there are three components, including ensuring that if maltreatment is suspected of an employee of a reporting agency, it is reported accurately and in a timely manner directly to an appropriate external reporting agency. It also clarifies that, within agencies, child abuse reports must be made directly from the professional who suspects abuse so key details and insight around the alleged maltreatment are communicated. Additionally, SB 229 allows the Department for Community Based Services to use discretion when making announced or unannounced home visits as a means to strengthen prevention and early intervention efforts.