Kids cannot vote, but you can ensure that their voices are heard by engaging with candidates in local, state, and federal elections. The local, state, and federal leaders we elect determine policy that will impact our daily lives for what may be generations to come. But how often do we pause to consider–specifically–how our choices at the ballot box will impact us, and particularly young children who depend on us to make the right [...]
By Brittani Carlton, Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates Thousands of young adults exit foster care, often without the preparation or support they need to succeed in adulthood. With limited resources and services, their paths can lead to homelessness, more trauma, and economic disadvantage. It is imperative to listen to the voices who have endured these experiences and traumas in order to provide advocacy that is relevant to the needs of the individuals in and aging [...]
By Crystal Willis, MSSW Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates In March, Congress made a commitment to the nation's most vulnerable children by investing in school-based health services. Signed into federal law on Tuesday March 15, the 2022 Omnibus Appropriations package includes $30 million for school-based health centers. This is a $25 million increase from fiscal year 2021, which will allow for more services to be provided and is a tremendous win for children and families [...]
By Shontelle Davis, MSSW Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates Kentucky has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the United States, with 45.3 percent of women and 35.5 percent of men experiencing domestic violence in their lifetime. Domestic violence can take many forms, including chronic yelling, controlling behaviors, isolation, threats of suicide or murder, threats involving weapons, threats to take the children, and serious injuries. Survivors of intimate partner violence lose a total [...]
By Crystal Willis and Shontelle Davis, MSSW Interns at Kentucky Youth Advocates Although the field of social work is broad, we all have one common goal – to leave this place BETTER than we found it! The role of a social worker is to identify and address the needs of individuals, families, and communities. Social workers take on many roles that include advocating, educating, researching, lobbying, case management, therapy, and much more. March is Social [...]
By Nikky Patel, Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates In the past year, many Americans have experienced a lack of access to healthy food and, although food insecurity is not a new issue, we have vividly felt its effect throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the federal government and Congressional leaders have been responsive to this issue and continue to apply lessons learned throughout the pandemic to take action that will address hunger and food insecurity in [...]
By Kayce Dallas, MSSW Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates Before I started graduate school for my Master of Social Work, I had no clue that social workers can work in a variety of areas. I think most people believe social workers are just the ones who remove kids from homes, but that is not always the case. If you want to know the many roles a social worker can play check out this resource from [...]
By Melissa Collins, Child Welfare Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates Children’s Advocacy Week is fully underway, and while it may look a bit different than years past, one thing has remained the same: showcasing talented youth from across the Commonwealth! In past years, Kentucky kids have shared their talents on Children’s Advocacy Day by performing during the Rally for Kentucky Kids in the Capitol Rotunda and creating artwork to hang in the tunnel between [...]
By Kayce Dallas, MSSW Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates The dictionary defines advocacy as the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal. Advocacy can mean something different to everyone. To Carli Mosby, Policy and Advocacy Analyst at Kentucky Youth Advocates, “advocacy is speaking up for those that may not have the ability to speak for themselves. It means doing something (on the state level, local level, or even the personal level) that will [...]
By Kayce Dallas, MSSW Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates “Self-care is giving the world the best of you instead of giving the world the rest of you." The first thing my mom asks when I call and complain to her how stressed I am is, “did you take time for yourself today?” I often forget how important it is to take care of myself. I am a full-time student getting my masters degree in Social [...]
