Kentuckians working to help at risk and abused children came to the state capitol today. Children’s Advocacy Day began with a rotunda rally.
The message was clear, ‘vote for kids.’ Those votes could cover everything from school funding to foster care to adoption. Jane Herms is director of the Family Nurturing Center in Northern Kentucky, which is a child abuse prevention and treatment facility. Herms says lobbying state lawmakers is a key part of the effort to help kids.
“We all make our peace and we all do our part locally, but it’s really only when you see legislative change, that kids have a chance,” said Herms.
Kentucky has a network of 15 children’s advocacy centers. Lexington Center Director Winn Stephens says those facilities see over 7,000 children who are suspected of having been abused. He says it’s important to maintain state funding at its current level.
In addressing the group, Governor Bevin urged participants to speak to lawmakers about supporting his budget initiatives for children including addition pay for social workers.
