Kentucky Ranks 38th in 2024 KIDS COUNT Data Book Urging Focus on Equipping Kids to Learn

Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org 502-895-8167 X122 Chronic Absences, Drop in Test Scores: Kentucky Ranks 38th in 2024 KIDS COUNT Data Book Urging Focus on Equipping Kids to Learn 50-State Data Show Academic Outcomes, Absence are Linked to Poverty, Trauma; Policymakers Must Act to Promote Kids' Future Success, Annie E. Casey Foundation Finds LOUISVILLE, KY — Kentucky ranks 38th in child well-being, according to the 2024 KIDS COUNT® Data Book, a 50-state report developed by [...]

KYGA24: A Look at Implications for Juvenile Justice

We’ve all heard different things about juvenile crime: that it’s on the rise (at best) or completely out of control (at worst), that teens today are more inherently prone to violence than any other generation in memory, or that the legal system is failing to hold them accountable. Combine that with around-the-clock accessibility to some of the worst images, videos, and headlines of violent incidents and it can be challenging for any of us to [...]

By |2024-05-23T12:36:40-04:00May 23rd, 2024|Blog, Race Equity, Youth Justice|

KYGA24: Sustaining the Child Care Sector

Child care was a huge topic of discussion during the 2024 legislative session. Advocates appealed to elected officials to help them understand that safe and reliable child care makes it possible for families to be part of the workforce and benefit the whole community. Legislators also examined the price tag that would be attached to stabilizing Kentucky’s child care industry, and that price tag was not small.  In previous years, most of the child care [...]

By |2024-05-09T14:55:52-04:00May 9th, 2024|Blog, Bloom Kentucky, Economic Security, Education|

KYGA24: Prioritizing Maternal Health

Among the topics that were a focus area for legislators in 2024 is maternal health – both the troubling outcomes for mothers across the Commonwealth and tangible steps we can take to address these issues. Following SB 135 of 2023 which targeted maternal depression, and an administrative change that ensures mothers on Medicaid are covered for 12 months postpartum, the 2024 General Assembly focused on additional ways to keep moms and babies healthy. HB 10, [...]

By |2024-05-08T08:43:20-04:00May 8th, 2024|Blog, Bloom Kentucky, Economic Security, Health, Race Equity|

Unleash Your Advocacy Potential: Join the Movement with Health Youth Ambassadors!

As the temperature rises, so does our anticipation for the 2024-2025 Health Youth Ambassadors program! Are you a high school student eager to cultivate your advocacy and leadership skills? Do you envision yourself as a catalyst for positive change within your community and beyond? If the answer is yes, then seize this opportunity to become a Health Youth Ambassador with Kentucky Youth Advocates! The Health Youth Ambassadors (HYA) program is designed to empower youth [...]

By |2024-05-06T13:50:07-04:00May 6th, 2024|Blog, Health|

OP-ED: Kentucky General Assembly fumbles opportunities to help kids

This originally appeared as an op-ed in the Kentucky Lantern on April 30, 2024. By Dr. Terry Brooks It’s Spring 2024 in the Bluegrass State. And if I am writing about sports, I should be focused on new basketball coaches and the Derby and the PGA Championship at Valhalla. But as I reflect on the 2024 General Assembly, my mind drifts to football and the 1938 Chicago Bears. That was the team which still holds the [...]

KYGA24: An Overview of Efforts to End Youth Vaping

As the dust settles from the 2024 General Assembly, several topics continue to grab headlines including the action surrounding youth vaping. The bills passed this session certainly brought this issue to the forefront but left more questions than answers about the impact for youth in Kentucky.   What did Kentucky Youth Advocates prioritize on youth vaping in 2024?   As we continue to see the negative impacts of nicotine products on young people and increased concern among [...]

By |2024-04-24T13:44:04-04:00April 24th, 2024|Blog, Education, Health|

Deep Dive into the 2024 State Budget & the Impact on Kentucky Kids

The Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children is a coalition of non-profit, public, and private organizations that stands on three pillars: thriving communities launch strong families, strong families launch successful kids, and successful kids launch a prosperous future for Kentucky. The Blueprint speaks with a common voice to create brighter futures for all Kentucky kids and their families. Learn more about the 2024 Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities at kyyouth.org/blueprintKY.  Facing a budget session, the 2024 General Assembly was [...]

Recapping the 2024 Legislative Session & the Impact on Kentucky Kids

The Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children is a coalition of non-profit, public, and private organizations that stands on three pillars: thriving communities launch strong families, strong families launch successful kids, and successful kids launch a prosperous future for Kentucky. The Blueprint speaks with a common voice to create brighter futures for all Kentucky kids and their families. Learn more about the 2024 Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities at kyyouth.org/blueprintKY. As we recover from eclipse mania in [...]

Statement on Final Passage of HB 377

Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates LOUISVILLE, KY – An investment in the student-to-teacher pipeline is an investment in our students – and the future of Kentucky’s workforce and economic well-being. With today’s final passage of House Bill 377 by the Senate, Kentucky school districts can now deepen their toolbox for recruiting and retaining quality and qualified teachers for their schools. HB 377, sponsored by Representative [...]

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