A new Kentucky law closes gaps in child abuse reporting and prevention laws and strengthens supports for at-risk families. Senate Bill 229 requires suspected cases of maltreatment by an employee of a state agency be reported accurately and in a timely manner, streamlines the chain of command for reporting abuse, and allows child welfare case hearings to be transferred to the Office of Legal Services within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Shannon Moody, chief policy and strategy officer for Kentucky Youth Advocates, said the law also allows the department to reach out to families who might be struggling but do not fully meet the criteria for an investigation. .
Over the past decade, 1,000 Florida children in foster care now have permanent homes, thanks to a pilot program focused on placing older kids who typically encounter challenges in being adopted. Robbin Brydges is one of the adoptive parents helped by Wendy s Wonderful Kids, launched by the Dave Thomas Foundation in 2004. She and her husband wanted to adopt an older child, since they knew they re often overlooked in the adoption process. .
A recent report finds Connecticut s child population declined over the last decade. According to a report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Connecticut was one of four states to see its population of children decline by 10% between 2010 and 2020. .
Child abuse happens to all children to varying degrees, according to experts, and during Child Abuse Prevention Month, several organizations in Idaho are working together to spread awareness. Mahoney House in Salmon has many events showcasing how to ask for help and report abuse, and also how to identify survivors and the signs of abuse. Pam Martinez, service coordinator advocate for Mahoney House, said behavioral signs like aggression or changes in personality, changes in eating patterns, becoming isolated, or bed-wetting by young children can all raise concern. .