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Op-Ed: How Will Leaders Respond to the National Report on Kentucky Kids?

This op-ed was originally published in the Kentucky Lantern on June 15, 2026. Judy and I just reviewed our youngest grandchildren’s report cards (Their older siblings mysteriously can’t find theirs!) and those Brooks kids seemingly are doing well.  The documents were filled with “Os” and “Ss,” which I guess are now the new “A” and “B.”  In-depth narratives – generated by either Ai or hard-working teachers – densely populated a couple dozen spaces.  Those [...]

By |2026-06-16T12:17:06-04:00June 16th, 2026|Blog, Kids Count, News Room|
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Kentucky Ranks 36th in 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book as Kentucky Youth Advocates Urges Deepened Focus on How Kids and Families Fare

Contact: Mara Powell | mpowell@kyyouth.org | 502-895-8167 X122 Kentucky Ranks 36th in 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book as Kentucky Youth Advocates Urges Deepened Focus on How Kids and Families Fare Annual National Report on Child Well-Being Shows Progress and Gaps for Kentucky LOUISVILLE, KY — Kentucky ranks 36th in child well-being, according to the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book, a 50-state report of recent data developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation analyzing how kids [...]

By |2026-06-10T09:52:38-04:00June 8th, 2026|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Education, Health, News Room|
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New Report – KYA and True Up Examine Education Outcomes of Kentucky Foster Youth

New Report – KYA and True Up Examine Education Outcomes of Kentucky Youth with Foster Care Experience Interactive report features key data on outcomes and barriers to success and offers policy recommendations Louisville, KY – Students with foster care experience bring unique strengths and perspectives to our classrooms; they also face trauma and systemic hurdles that can make the climb toward graduation and beyond more difficult. To support more informed, data-driven responses, Kentucky Youth Advocates [...]

By |2026-05-20T17:03:47-04:00May 20th, 2026|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Education, News Room|
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One Kentucky Teen’s Mission: Disconnect to Connect

By Hannah Edelen & Guest Writer, Aleah Stigall Aleah Stigall is a 17-year-old senior at Boyle County High School and has a passion for connection. She strives to teach the importance of real relationships with real people, as she shared at the 2026 Town Hall on Kids at Children’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol.  Through her personal initiative, “Disconnect To Connect - Let’s Get Real,” Aleah educates her peers [...]

By |2026-05-13T13:26:08-04:00May 13th, 2026|Blog, Bloom Kentucky, Education, Health|
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Celebrating Child Care and Appreciating Providers

Almost 70% of children under the age of 6 go to some type of formalized child care outside of the home. As a working mom, both of my sons went to licensed child care centers so that I could work. When I was growing up, that is not what I expected. My mother stayed at home with me and my sister until we both entered kindergarten. I was blessed that she was able [...]

By |2026-05-20T11:05:13-04:00May 6th, 2026|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Education|
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KYGA26 Recap and Reflections with Child Advocates

Shannon Moody is joined by three statewide child advocacy partners to reflect on themes, wins, and challenges of the 2026 Kentucky General Assembly and the impact on children and families. Guests include Nickie Jones, Executive Director of Family Enrichment Center, Inc. in Bowling Green, Liz McQuillen, Chief Policy Officer at Metro United Way in Louisville, and Shane Noem, President of Roebling Solutions and a Kentucky Youth Advocates board member from Northern Kentucky. Check out [...]

By |2026-06-10T15:17:08-04:00April 29th, 2026|Podcast|
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Where the Session Leaves Us & Where Advocates Go Next – A Recap on Bloom Kentucky’s 2026 Priorities

It is always a bittersweet moment when the gavel drops on day 60 for the Kentucky General Assembly. Both advocates and legislators alike closed the chapter on a season where debates were had, hearts were opened, and policies passed.  While the session may come to a close, the work of Bloom Kentucky continues as we work to advance policies and budgetary investments that create the conditions that shape the environments where children and [...]

By |2026-04-28T15:03:34-04:00April 28th, 2026|Blog, Bloom Kentucky, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security|
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Op-Ed: The power of persistence in child abuse prevention — in wake of legislation, commitment is key

This op-ed was originally posted by the NKyTribune on April 27, 2026. By Shannon Moody and Barry Dunn "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” The Little Engine That Could taught many of us the power of persistence – not giving up when the going gets tough and maintaining a sense of hopefulness when all seems lost. That mantra, backed by the persistence of our community partners, helps the Kosair for Kids Face [...]

By |2026-04-28T10:31:23-04:00April 28th, 2026|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, News Room|
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Blueprint Webinar: KYGA26 Recap and Reflections

Join Kentucky Youth Advocates on Tuesday, April 28th at 10 AM EST as the policy team provides a recap on the state legislative session, Blueprint for Kentucky's Children 2026 priority bills, and other bills that will impact kids, including the final two-year state budget. We will also be joined by a panel of partners to reflect on themes, wins, and challenges of the 2026 Kentucky General Assembly. Register here.

By |2026-04-24T08:35:00-04:00April 24th, 2026|
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Blueprint Webinar – House Bill 6: A Deep Dive for Child Care Providers

Join this webinar on Friday May 8 from 1:00 - 2:00 pm EST for a deep dive into House Bill 6 and the impact on for child care providers and Kentucky kids. The webinar will feature a facilitated conversation with Sarah Vanover, Kentucky Youth Advocates, Liz McQuillen, Metro United Way, and Mandy Marler, Baldwin Consulting. Register here. Date: Friday, May 8, 2026 Time: 1:00 PM EST Location: Virtual

By |2026-04-27T16:32:29-04:00April 24th, 2026|
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