A new report by a coalition of 32 philanthropic groups concludes adverse childhood experiences in Kentucky have an annual negative economic impact of $295 million. Shannon Moody is the chief policy and strategy officer for Kentucky Youth Advocates. She said Bloom Kentucky’s study identifies divorce, parental incarceration, substance abuse and other challenges for the losses.
“Areas of focus are strengthening economic supports for families, making sure that our families who are working can potentially access something like the childcare tax credit or a state refundable earned income tax credit.”
Moody said positive childhood experiences also help struggling children in the short- and long-term.
“Things like the ability to talk to family about feelings, the sense of that family is supportive during difficult times, feeling supported by friends, having a sense of belonging in high school, those are all positive childhood experiences that we as community members can help support.”
Moody said Kentucky Youth Advocates and Bloom Kentucky want to make sure struggling families can access the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid, Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program and other sources of aid.
