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 [...]

Preparing Voices for Change: Youth Advocacy in Action at the Capitol

On March 4, 2026, the grounds of the Kentucky State Capitol were filled with something powerful: young voices ready to be heard. Advocates from across the Commonwealth gathered for Children’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol (CAD), united by one goal: to speak up for Kentucky’s kids and help shape a better future. At the heart of CAD each year is a commitment to elevating youth voice. This year, Kentucky Youth Advocates partnered with  Educational [...]

By |2026-03-17T16:30:03-04:00March 17th, 2026|Blog|

Youth Voice: “Find your passion! Use your voice! Vote for Kentucky Kids!”

By Aleah Stigall, former member of the Health Youth Ambassadors Aleah shared the following speech as the opening of the 2026 Town Hall on Kids in the Capitol Education Center at the annual Children’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol. Welcome to this year’s Children’s Advocacy Day Town Hall on Kids! I am Aleah Stigall, a senior at Boyle County High School. From a young age, I was raised to advocate for myself, especially as a [...]

By |2026-03-18T16:49:09-04:00March 5th, 2026|Blog, Bloom Kentucky, Health|

Speaking Up for a Nicotine-Free Future for Kentucky Youth

Over the last decade, vapes have grown rapidly in popularity, especially among youth, as companies like JUUL marketed products with flashy colors and flavors appealing to kids. These practices resulted in a lawsuit and subsequent settlement with JUUL for their role in exposing kids to addictive nicotine products. The Kentucky General Assembly has the opportunity to put those settlement funds to best use with the biggest impact by directing upcoming dollars towards youth nicotine prevention [...]

By |2026-02-18T15:04:06-05:00February 18th, 2026|Blog, Health|

Eviction Data Dashboard: Turning Insight Into Action

Last week, Kentucky Youth Advocates hosted a webinar introducing the Kentucky Eviction Data Dashboard, an interactive tool that displays eviction filings and trends across the state from 2022-2024. The dashboard was developed to help policymakers, advocates, and community members understand the scope and impact of eviction in Kentucky and its impact on kids and families.  Understanding the Impact of Eviction on Kids and Families The webinar opened with an overview of eviction, [...]

By |2025-11-13T10:26:48-05:00November 12th, 2025|Blog, Bloom Kentucky, Economic Security|

Boost Foster Youth Safety and Independence with State IDs

Youth aging out of foster care face countless challenges, from finding stable housing and employment to navigating health care and higher education on their own. Many leave care without the same supports and safety nets that their peers rely on, making the transition to adulthood especially difficult. One challenge that youth in Kentucky should not face is aging out of foster care without state identification or other essential documents.  Under Kentucky's Foster Care Bill of [...]

By |2025-10-30T14:24:05-04:00October 30th, 2025|Blog|

New Year, Same Passion for Kentucky Kids

At Kentucky Youth Advocates, we’re already gearing up for the 2026 state legislative session—and with a new year comes new opportunities to stand up for Kentucky kids! Children’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol has always been a powerful moment to lift youth voices, connect with legislators, and push for policies that put kids first. While renovations at the State Capitol mean this year’s event will look a little different, our mission remains the same: make [...]

By |2025-10-22T08:50:17-04:00October 21st, 2025|Blog|

KYGA25 Reflections: Wins, Missed Opportunities, and Head Scratchers

As we enter April and we look forward to warmer days, Kentucky Youth Advocates is reflecting on another legislative session in the Commonwealth – one that brought wins, missed opportunities, and some puzzling moments for Kentucky kids. Review the recap of the 2025 state legislative session and final status of Blueprint for Kentucky's Children priorities below and check out ways you can still take action for kids.  2025 Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children State Policy Wins [...]

“Being Seen, Heard, and Respected” at Children’s Advocacy Day 2025

By Tyler Hunter Hey there fellow Kentuckians! As a former foster care alumni, I find it highly important to support, attend, and participate in Children’s Advocacy Day (CAD) and the events surrounding the week. For the past seven years, I have had the opportunity to attend the CAD rally in our Capitol Rotunda. The moment I step foot into the rotunda, I immediately experience being seen, heard, and respected. These people are in attendance for [...]

By |2025-03-20T16:20:21-04:00March 20th, 2025|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety|

Children’s Advocacy Week 2025 Reflections from Youth

Imagine the halls of Kentucky’s Capitol buzzing with the energy of hundreds of young voices all united for a single purpose. On March 5th, 2025, Frankfort witnessed this powerful scene as young advocates from across the Commonwealth convened for Kentucky Youth Advocates’ annual Children’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol – their participation throughout Children’s Advocacy Week 2025. However, the excitement didn’t start there. On the eve of Children’s Advocacy Day, we hosted a retreat [...]

By |2025-03-21T11:02:53-04:00March 20th, 2025|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Education, Health|
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