09 Dec Kosair Charities Face It Movement Announces 2022 State Policy and Budget Priorities

LOUISVILLE, KY – The Kosair Charities® Face It® Movement focuses on a three-pronged approach to addressing Kentucky’s high rate of child abuse and neglect: promote best practices in prevention and intervention, build community awareness, and advocate for effective policies to keep kids safe and strengthen families.

As the convening of the 2022 Kentucky General Assembly nears, Face It is releasing its state policy and budget priorities agenda.

“Strong state policies and sufficient state budget investments can lead to profound impacts for kids, families, and communities. In 2022, Face It’s policy work team will be advocating for an array of policies and investments that prioritize healing and investigation after maltreatment occurs, programs that build up strong families and, above all, the safety and well-being of every Kentucky child,” said Pam Darnall, President and CEO of Family and Children’s Place and Co-Chair of the Face It Policy Team.

The Kosair Charities Face It Movement’s 2022 priorities span closing gaps in child maltreatment reporting laws and requirements for coroners upon the death of a child. Kentucky kids and families also need a strong state budget that invests in Kentucky’s pediatric forensic teams and Children’s Advocacy Centers, the critical HANDS home visiting program, a strong Department for Community Based Services workforce, and safety net programs that support family well-being.

“Kosair Charities works on every level to ensure children have the supports they need to be safe and healthy with opportunities to thrive. One child experiencing abuse or neglect is one child to many, and that is far too often the reality in Kentucky. We are proud to continue our efforts to prevent child maltreatment and support children who’ve been harmed by advocating for common sense state policies and budget investments that can lead to big differences for kids and their families,” said Ken Reiss, Chair of the Kosair Charities Board of Directors.

“Kids are our future, and we must work to ensure that their safety and well-being is prioritized in every policy and budget decision. I am proud to support the Kosair Charities Face It Movement’s priorities and, as the co-chair of the Child Welfare Oversight and Advisory Committee, it is my goal to not only continue the conversation, but to champion solutions that will improve the health and safety outcomes for kids and families across the commonwealth,” said state Senator Julie Raque Adams.

Learn more about the Face It state policy and budget priorities for 2022 at faceitabuse.org/policy/.