When you ask families in Kentucky what they need most, reliable child care frequently sits at the top of the list. Long waitlists, high costs, and the absence of providers make it harder for parents to work and for children to thrive in safe, supportive environments. These challenges not only strain family stability but can [...]| Kentucky Youth Advocates
Kentucky continues to face rates of child maltreatment that are nearly double the national average. Infants are at the greatest risk, making up 1 in 8 victims, making the first year of life a crucial period for prevention. Policies that give parents stability during this window can make a clear difference. The first year with [...]| Kentucky Youth Advocates
"Being a kinship care provider is layered in Zeal - Love in Action. Keeping my nieces together while providing a stable home was most important to me. While there have been many challenges (lack of resources, no emotional/financial support, navigating new family roles), along the way, seeing them now flourishing, happy and together makes it [...]| Kentucky Youth Advocates
August is in full swing, and with it comes the start of a new school year in Kentucky. As in previous years, new trends and persistent concerns among Kentucky kids are making headlines. One issue that continues to raise alarms in schools across the Commonwealth is nicotine dependence among students. While the conversation around youth [...]| Kentucky Youth Advocates
Saying “it takes a village to raise a child” conveys the importance of having supportive people in a parent’s life who can help create safe, healthy environments for their kids to flourish. It’s a shared understanding that parenting is tough and, without support, life’s stressors can make it even tougher. Since the passage of the [...]| Kentucky Youth Advocates
What are Impact Statements? Impact statements are used by local, state, and federal agencies and branches of government to assess implications of proposed legislation, administrative procedures, cases, amongst other decisions. Impact statements can cover topics such as criminal justice, environment, higher education, poverty, open government, amongst| Kentucky Youth Advocates
Did you know that creating positive experiences in childhood can lay the groundwork for lifelong resilience and well-being? These experiences are known as Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). PCEs highlight the nurturing moments, relationships, and environments that build a child’s inner strength and emotional health. In the Bloom Kentucky blog series, we explore how we [...]| Kentucky Youth Advocates
Every parent, caregiver, and community member expects schools to be a safe place for children to learn and grow. Yet, across Kentucky, we continue to hear stories of students being harmed by those entrusted with their education. Too often these cases of educator sexual misconduct are met with delayed action, quiet dismissals, or a lack [...]| Kentucky Youth Advocates
As we welcome August, kids and families across the state are gearing up for another school year and a long list of last minute to-dos. Along with school supply shopping and soaking up the last days of summer, back to school is the perfect time to make sure your child is up to date on [...]| Kentucky Youth Advocates
By: Liltoyria Bohler I attended The Kentucky Harm Reduction Summit, which was a gathering for people to learn and share ways to reduce the harm to individuals and communities associated with drug usage. At the summit, there was a youth panel, and they said they feel as though they are heard by adults but not [...]| Kentucky Youth Advocates
Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org LOUISVILLE, KY – The latest national Child Maltreatment report from the Children’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows a total of 14,484 child victims of maltreatment in Kentucky during the reporting period (FFY 2023). While there has been a 28% reduction| Kentucky Youth Advocates
By Kiera Dunk Content warning: This blog, or pages it links to, contains information about sensitive subjects including abuse and violence. The most recent data released shows that rates of child abuse are down since 2019, but still not enough. This is not acceptable, and I think you all will| Kentucky Youth Advocates
Originally published on Face It Movement Access to high quality, safe child care settings is critical for families across the Commonwealth. But recent data reports highlight an increase of child abuse and maltreatment cases in child| Kentucky Youth Advocates
Thriving Families, Safer Children Kentucky is a collaboration of statewide partners, including individuals with lived experience, rethinking child welfare by creating conditions for strong, healthy communities where families are supported and children are free from harm. All| Kentucky Youth Advocates
By: Brandi Woods, a member of KY SEAT There are moments in life that etch themselves into your soul. For me, one of those moments was the day my daughter was born. The other was the day she| Kentucky Youth Advocates
We advocate for policies that give children the best possible opportunities for a brighter future and are making Kentucky the best place in America to be young. We advocate for policies that give children the best possible opportunities for a brighter future and are making Kentucky the| Kentucky Youth Advocates
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| Kentucky Youth Advocates
Contact: Patricia Tennen | ptennen@kyyouth.org | 502-895-8167 x 122 Kentucky Ranks 36th in 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book as Kentucky Youth Advocates Urges Focus on Supporting Thriving Kids and Families Data shows that too many Kentucky kids are falling behind on key indicators of child well-being, the Annie E. Casey Foundation finds LOUISVILLE,| Kentucky Youth Advocates
Unsafe access to firearms is one of the greatest threats to Kentucky kids’ safety. Injuries from improperly stored firearms are the second leading cause of death among children and teens ages 1-17 in Kentucky. Nationwide, the situation is even more grim – injuries from firearms are| Kentucky Youth Advocates
OUR VISION Through a collaborative partnership with the Department of Community Based Services, we envision being a voice for all Kentucky parents to be seen, heard, protected, and supported so no family feels alone. WHO WE ARE| Kentucky Youth Advocates
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| Kentucky Youth Advocates
