High school graduation. I know. I know. It is advertised as this pure moment of glory. When I was a high school principal, it was joyous to be sure but I also knew that: I would mispronounce at least one kid’s name and then incur the wrath of a parent. At least one award would not get mentioned and then I would incur the wrath of another parent. At least one senior would do something [...]
To view Part I of this post, click here. My birthday is December 25. That makes birthday traditions and Christmas customs mingle together a bit. But one birthday tradition leaps out. It arrives every December in a large Styrofoam box packed with lots of dry ice. And at the bottom of that crate sit – like precious jewels – artisan made bratwursts! When my wife and one of our good friends were on a trip [...]
Tomorrow Terry Brooks, our executive director, will talk on our blog about how kids fared in Kentucky’s General Assembly this year. While I assume everyone will want to read that version, I wanted to provide a slightly more boring, but objective version of what happened in 2013 for kids in our legislature. Kentucky Youth Advocates is part of the Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children which is a collaborative of multiple child serving partners from across Kentucky [...]
Today marks the final step in placing a panel to review child abuse deaths in Kentucky statute. Governor Beshear signed HB 290 today and we commend him for taking this important step. We reiterate our thanks to Representative Burch and Representative Wayne for championing this bill through the House and Senator Denton for strengthening the bill in the Senate. We also thank the many representatives and senators who supported this bill which will help identify [...]
The legislative session began winding to a close this week, and Tuesday marked two significant wins for Kentucky children. Two policy items identified by child advocates as priorities for the 2013 session on the Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children won final passage by the legislature and are on their way to the Governor for his signature. On Tuesday, the legislature passed HB 3 - a bill to address human trafficking and ensure child victims of trafficking [...]
Today marks a significant step forward in protecting children from dying due to abuse or neglect in Kentucky. HB 290, which puts into law a panel to review child abuse deaths, passed out of the General Assembly today and now heads to the Governor for his signature. The child fatality review panel will help us learn from our mistakes and improve practices in the child welfare system to prevent future child abuse deaths. It will help [...]
Marylee Underwood, staff attorney, Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs "Today is a great day for Kentucky's kids! By unanimously passing the Human Trafficking Victims Rights Act, Kentucky legislators sent a clear message that modern day slavery has no place in this state. Victims of trafficking, especially children exploited in commercial sex, will be treated as victims rather than as criminals and be given access to healing services. Law enforcement will be more equipped to [...]
Marylee Underwood, staff attorney, Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs Today’s vote of HB 3 by the Kentucky Senate represents a fine example of our elected leaders working across party lines in the best interest of our vulnerable youth. Human trafficking legislation is now just a few steps away from becoming law. HB 3 ensures that child victims of human trafficking receive the services they need, rather than being detained or prosecuted. Not only does [...]
The Senate stood strong for Kentucky kids today, passing HB 290 to create a child fatality review panel. Senator Denton and primary cosponsors Representative Burch and Representative Wayne are to be commended for this strong bipartisan effort to make sure Kentucky's most vulnerable kids are safe. The bill puts into law a panel that can make a real difference in the battle against child abuse by ensuring we know what is working and what isn’t. [...]
Marylee Underwood, staff attorney, Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs “We applaud the Kentucky Senate Judiciary Committee for taking action on human trafficking and passing House Bill 3 out of committee today. This bill will ensure that child victims get the services they need to heal and provide better resources for law enforcement officers and prosecutors. We especially appreciate the amendments offered by Chairman Whitney Westerfield and Senator Katie Stine that will further strengthen the [...]
