05 Jan Opportunities and Obligations–Policy Actions to Keep Kids Safe

This Kentucky state legislative session, which began on January 2nd, is a 60-day session and includes the development of a biennial state budget.

When it comes to keeping kids safe from abuse and neglect, there are both opportunities and obligations on the part of individuals, community members, and larger systems like our General Assembly.

In this upcoming session, the Face It Policy team has identified the following policy priorities for consideration and action by members of the General Assembly.

– Reduce the risk of sexual abuse and exploitation and increase the safety of students by ensuring appropriate disclosures, checks, and training are complete for potential public and private school employees.
–> Too many children and youth are exposed to sexual misconduct in environments where they are being cared for, including in educational settings. It is important to ensure that those caring for children in schools are aware of what to look out for when it comes to appropriate and inappropriate communication and interactions.
–> It is also important that schools have the information needed to make decisions when bringing new adults on staff based on past experiences and history of student interactions if it is cause for concern.
–> Learn more about this priority here.

Priorities also connected to child maltreatment prevention or intervention that the Face It Policy Team is interested in include;

– Sustain or increase budget investments in child abuse prevention.
–> We urge the legislature to continue their commitment in investing funding in programs that have a track record of preventing child maltreatment across the Commonwealth.

– Establish the Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership (ECCAP) permanently to ensure a stable child care workforce.
– Boost investments in mental health reimbursement rates and bring Behavioral Health Service Organizations (BHSOs) and Behavioral Health Service and Multi-Specialty Groups (BHMSGs) on par with Medicare rates.

Stay tuned for additional items that the Face It Policy Team is following and supporting.

As the 2024 legislative session progresses, the Face It Policy Team will keep partners and community members up to speed on supporting and advancing policy that keeps kids safe from maltreatment. Follow along through blog posts, social media, and Face It Friday emails!