Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (PCAK) celebrated its annual Legislative/Policy Awards Ceremony during the ‘Kids Are Worth It’ Conference, Kentucky’s premier 2-day event dedicated to child and family well-being.
Held at Central Bank Center in Lexington, Ky., the ceremony honors elected officials whose work has made meaningful contributions to protecting children, supporting families, and advancing prevention across the Commonwealth.
“Public policy plays a critical role in building the conditions children and families need to thrive,” said Janna Estep Jordan, Interim Director, Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky. “These leaders have helped move forward policies that reflect a shared commitment to prevention, safety, and stronger families across Kentucky. As we celebrate 30 years of the Kids Are Worth It! Conference, we are proud to recognize their work and the impact it has on children and communities throughout the Commonwealth.”
Attorney General Russell Coleman received recognition for his leadership in advancing efforts to protect Kentucky children online, including initiatives aimed at strengthening cyber safety and holding technology and social media companies accountable for protecting young users.
“Protecting Kentucky’s kids today means responding to threats in both the real and online worlds,” Attorney General Coleman said. “Parents need strong partners in this fight and we will continue working to ensure companies are held accountable and families have the tools they need to protect their kids online.”
Speaker David Osborne received recognition for his leadership in advancing funding for Phase II of Upstream Academy, PCAK’s training initiative designed to equip professionals, caregivers, and advocates with the knowledge and skills to identify risks, strengthen families, and prevent child abuse before it occurs.
“I am proud of what we have accomplished together,” Speaker Osborne said. “The Legislature is committed to a long-term effort of making Kentucky a better place to grow up. Preventing child abuse and neglect means giving families, caregivers, professionals and communities the tools and resources they need to protect children before a crisis occurs. When we strengthen families and protect our children, we build a stronger Commonwealth for generations to come.”
Senator Brandon J. Storm received recognition for his leadership on Senate Bill 170 and his continued advocacy for child abuse prevention, including sponsoring a Senate resolution recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Kentucky.
“Protecting children requires us to act before families reach a crisis,” Senator Storm said. “By bringing together families, schools, courts, and community resources, we can address challenges earlier and give children a better opportunity to thrive. I’m grateful to Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky and everyone across the Commonwealth who works every day to keep our kids safe.”
Representative Samara Heavrin received recognition for her leadership on House Bill 6 and House Bill 778, advancing policies focused on strengthening Kentucky families, supporting children, and improving the systems and services families rely on.
“When we strengthen families, we strengthen Kentucky,” Representative Heavrin said. “Our goal is to make sure parents have the support they need and children have every opportunity to grow up safe, healthy, and surrounded by people who care for them. I’m grateful to the advocates and partners who continue working with us to make Kentucky a better place for children and families.”
Representative Nick Wilson received recognition for his leadership on House Bill 778 and his advocacy for child abuse prevention, including sponsoring a House resolution recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Kentucky.
“Every child in Kentucky deserves to grow up in a safe and supportive home,” Representative Wilson said. “Preventing abuse takes all of us, families, communities, advocates, and policymakers, working together. I’m honored to support policies that strengthen our child welfare system and help protect Kentucky’s most vulnerable children.”
Representative Marianne Proctor received recognition for her leadership on House Bill 4, legislation aimed at strengthening protections for Kentucky children by addressing the grooming of minors and giving law enforcement additional tools to intervene when children are being targeted for exploitation.
“Those who prey on children should never be able to exploit gaps in our laws,” Representative Proctor said. “House Bill 4 is about giving Kentucky stronger tools to identify dangerous behavior earlier and protect children before abuse occurs. Keeping our children safe must always be one of our highest priorities.”
PCAK former Board Members and Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Governor Andy Beshear, joined in celebrating award recipients for their efforts to strengthen child safety and family welfare across the Commonwealth.
“As a dad, I believe our most sacred responsibility is to care for and support Kentucky’s children,” said Governor Beshear. “With the help of dedicated partners like Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, I’m thankful we are making progress to protect more children from abuse and neglect. Together, we’re creating a stronger, healthier and more loving commonwealth for generations of Kentuckians.”
Dr. Steven Stack, Secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, kicked off the conference and shared with the attendees the important work done by the cabinet on prevention, early intervention and working to ensure Kentucky’s children and families have the support they need to thrive.
“Protecting Kentucky’s children requires all of us working together to strengthen families and provide support before a crisis occurs so that every single Kentuckian can reach their full potential.” said Dr. Stack. “Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky has been a trusted partner in that work for decades, bringing together professionals, advocates and communities around the shared goal of helping every child grow up safe, healthy and supported.”