Headline News Archive

Deeply Saddened With Loss of Ron Filkins, Kentucky Child Now Board Member
6/26/08
A deep sense of sadness has overtaken Kentucky Child Now after news of the death of Ron Filkins. Ron passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at his home in Bardstown, Kentucky. We will miss him dearly.

As publisher of The Kentucky Standard in Bardstown and cherished member of the Kentucky Child Now board of directors, Ron was a champion for young people both in his community and across the Commonwealth. He brought laughter and an infectious zeal for life to his work with Kentucky Child Now!

Generous with both his time and wisdom, Ron’s profound commitment to bettering the lives of Kentucky’s children and youth inspired all of us. That Ron's family requests donations go to his favorite charities shows what a wonderful influence he was on family and friends. We will honor him on your behalf.

Ron Filkins Ky Child Now Memorial page

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2008 Great Kids Summit Evaluation Contest Winner Announced!
4/1/08
Thank you to all Great Kids Summit attendees who took the time to fill out this year's evaluation. Your feedback is valued and greatly appreciated! Carlene Webb, a Health Educator for the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is the 2008 Great Kids Summit Evaluation Contest winner. Carlene will receive an Ipod Nano.

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Quality Counts - When it comes to the young people you serve, how does your organization’s program(s) measure up?
4/1/08
Does your organization work with groups of young people within the ages of 6-21? Is your program designed to help young people learn new skills or acquire knowledge? Would you like research based workshops that target specific skill building for your front line staff who work with youth, that will improve their level of expertise?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, please consider becoming a part of the Kentucky Quality Counts Initiative. The Quality Counts Initiative is part of a national pilot in Kentucky, designed to assist organizations throughout the state that serve young people (ages 6-21). The Initiative will help to improve the quality of services and programs, using an evidence-based youth program quality assessment and improvement process developed by the High Scope Educational Research Foundation.

If you would like to become part of this trail-blazing project, please register for the Youth Program Quality Assessment Basics training conducted by the High Scope Educational Research Foundation. The training will be held on Monday, May 19, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Kentucky History Center, Frankfort, KY and offers a valuable introduction to the Youth Program Quality Improvement System. There is no cost to attend the training, however pre-registration is required. Lunch will be served. Please note that on-site training sign-in begins 8:30 a.m.. The training will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m.

Register Today for Youth Program Quality Assessment Basics

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One Step Closer to Improving the Lives of our Most Vulnerable Youth
3/10/08
House Bill 140: an act creating the Kentucky Center for Youth Development (HB140) has passed in the Kentucky State House of Representatives with unanimous support moving Kentucky one step closer to improving the lives of its most vulnerable youth.

The Kentucky Center for Youth Development is part of the recommendations to support the three year strategic plan of the Kentucky Youth Development Coordinating Council. The Council was created by Senate Joint Resolution 184 passed in the 2006 General Assembly. The Council is a collaboration of state agencies, non-profit organizations, young people and government leaders with a shared vision to improve the outcomes for Kentucky’s young people through coordination, accountability, quality and opportunities for young people.

In December of 2007, the Coordinating Council shared its strategic plan with Kentucky Representatives Robin Webb and Darryl Owens. These legislative leaders quickly directed a legislative push to move the planning of the council into action with HB 140. Their efforts were rewarded as fellow Kentucky State Representatives came out in support of HB 140, recognizing not only the need for a Center for Youth Development, but the value such a Center would offer. The Center would:

• maximize Kentucky’s $1.4 billion dollar budget allotted for supporting young people by reducing duplication of services, increasing the quality of services, increasing efficiencies, and increasing positive outcomes for youth;
• improve the lives of youth across the Commonwealth by ensuring that Kentucky’s young people have access to an array of developmental supports;
• staff the Kentucky Youth Development Coordinating Council giving it the ability to coordinate statewide youth services, measure progress, increase the quality of youth services, conduct research, and increase youth opportunities to play meaningful roles in their communities.

HB 140 is currently being reviewed in the Kentucky State Senate. Kentucky Child Now would like to encourage Kentucky’s “caring adults” who are committed to ensuring that youth across the Commonwealth have access to developmental supports to follow HB 140 on its journey through the legislative process and to support the continued work of the Coordinating Council.

Learn more about the work of the
KY Youth Development Coordinating Council

Review the Kentucky Youth Development Coordinating Council 2008-2010 Strategic plan

Find your Kentucky State Legislators

Regional Re–thinking Youth Training is coming to Jackson!
12/19/07
The Kentucky Child Now (KCN) Training Institute will be presenting Re-thinking Youth in six different regions across Kentucky. Join KCN in Jackson on January 11, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Breathitt Co. Life Skills Center to learn the basic principles of positive youth development.

The training is a vital part of professional development for anyone who works with young people. Unlike other approaches that focus solely on preventing negative outcomes, Rethinking Youth takes a positive youth development approach, which addresses the fundamental resources young people need to be fully engaged and prepared for adulthood.

There is no cost to attend this four-hour course thanks to the generous support of the Community Collaboration for Children.
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Come Support Policy In Action
12/07/07
After a powerful and productive first year of operation, Kentucky Youth Development Coordinating Council (KYDCC) recommendations are directing legislative efforts at the Capitol.

Representatives Robin Webb and Darryl Owens will be holding a press conference on Wednesday, December 12 at 11:00 a.m. in room 316 of the State Capitol Building where they will announce legislation to codify the KYDCC and create the Kentucky Center for Youth Development

The Kentucky Center for Youth Development will support the KYDCC in its efforts to implement the 2008–10 KYDCC Strategic Plan, a common vision and set of outcomes for all young people so Kentucky’s state services can work together to improve outcomes for our most vulnerable young people.

The Center will staff the KYDCC giving it the ability to:

• Coordinate statewide youth services and programs
• Measure progress for increasing outcomes for the state’s most vulnerable youth
• Increase the quality of youth services and programs
• Conduct research and disseminate best practices in youth services
• Increase youth opportunities to play meaningful roles in their communities, schools and organizations that serve them.

Kentucky Child Now has worked with the University of Kentucky, Cooperative Extension Service to provide staff support and funding for the initial start–up of the KYDCC. The KYDCC is part of Kentucky Child Now’s mission to transform the way in which we serve and work with young people.

We would like to encourage those interested in the health and welfare of Kentucky’s youth to attend the press conference to show their support for the efforts of the KYDCC. The KYDCC is an exemplary example of what can be accomplished when a group of caring adults come together to support Kentucky’s youth.

Learn more about the
Kentucky Youth Development Coordinating Council.

Read the Kentucky Youth Development Coordinating Council’s Strategic Plan for 2008–2001
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The Great Kids Summit enters it’s 5th year with some exciting changes!
11/16/07
Now entering its 5th year, the Great Kids Summit is an engaging mix of renowned speakers, interactive workshops, dynamic training, and recognition, which models a partnership of youth and adults working together to bring about a positive shift in culture for Kentucky’s youth.

The fifth year for the Great Kids Summit has brought about some exciting changes! First and foremost, Kentucky Child Now has moved the Summit to a more centralized location – the beautifully refurbished Marriott Griffin Gate Resort in Lexington! Kentucky’s youth can now experience a professional–style conference right in heart of the Bluegrass!

We have also changed the date to February 25 & 26, 2008 in order to make the Summit more accessible to school curriculum. The Summit’s workshops have been streamlined into two amazing, engaging days which will allow both youth and adults to experience the power of youth and adult partnerships! Youth will have the opportunity to learn how to become leaders and change agents in their schools and communities. Adults will learn how they can foster youth and adult partnerships in their communities.

To learn more about the Great Kids Summit, The Community Youth Showcase, matching scholarships and to view exciting updates, visit: www.kychildnow.org/greatKidsSummit.
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Re–thinking Youth Training coming to Mt. Sterling!
11/16/07
The Kentucky Child Now (KCN) Training Institute will be presenting Re–thinking Youth in six different regions across Kentucky. Join KCN in Mt. Sterling on December 7, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Fairfield Inn to learn the basic principles of positive youth development.

The training is a vital part of professional development for anyone who works with young people. Unlike other approaches that focus solely on preventing negative outcomes, Rethinking Youth takes a positive youth development approach, which addresses the fundamental resources young people need to be fully engaged and prepared for adulthood.

There is no cost to attend this four–hour course thanks to the generous support of the Community Collaboration for Children, however advanced registration is required. Space is limited, so register today online.
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The Kentucky Child Now Training Institute is Growing!
11/01/07
The tremendous growth and demand for positive youth development training is no mystery to Kentucky Child Now. In fact, Kentucky Child Now has seen, first hand, the benefits of providing youth with the fundamental resources they will need to succeed in life! These benefits include better grades in school, less violence, a reduction in drug and alcohol use and more importantly the capacity to be viewed as resources and leaders in their schools, communities and the world.

Due to the increase in demand and raised consciousness for positive youth development, the Kentucky Child Now Training Institute has completed the first annual Training of Trainers. Five exceptional women joined Kentucky Child Now’s Training Institute last week to help fulfill the mission to: 1) improve youth program quality and staff performance by providing more knowledge and skill; 2) increase youth participation in schools, organizations, and communities; 3) develop youth leaders; 4) strengthen communities by fully utilizing the capabilities of youth; and 5) foster youth/adult partnerships.

These highly qualified individuals each come from a unique background and bring a wealth of experiences and expertise. Collectively, the training cadre has decades of experience as educators, social service providers, advocates for youth, developers of curricula, and a number of other invaluable skill-sets. As KCN trainers, they will present Kentucky Child Now trainings across the state, including:

• Rethinking Youth: Basic Principles of Positive Youth Development
• Advancing Youth Development
• Change of Heart
• Getting to Developmental Assets

Because of the diversity of various audiences served, the training cadre will also present trainings with curricula customized by Kentucky Child Now to address specific needs and issues.

Kentucky Child Now is excited to not only witness the growth the training cadre, but to have the opportunity to work with this exceptional group of men and women. Their actions mirror the mission of Kentucky Child Now – ensuring that Kentucky’s youth have access to the fundamental resources they will need to succeed in life ... the Five Promises!

...learn more
regional trainings in your area.
the Kentucky Child Now Training Cadre.
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Quality Counts for Kentucky Child Now
10/19/07
Kentucky Child Now has been selected by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to act as the lead intermediary role for the Kentucky Quality Counts application and initiative. The two"year pilot project, with funding up to $50,000 per year, will help to improve the quality of programs and services for youth through the Ready by 21 Quality Counts Initiative in two pilot communities: Lexington and Louisville.

Kentucky Child Now will work in collaboration with the University of Kentucky, Cooperative Extension Service, 4"H Youth Development Program, Kentucky Youth Development Coordinating Council and a large number of youth serving state and non-profit agencies to provide leadership, staff support, and as advisories for the pilot programs. The goal of Quality Counts is to help state and local intermediaries and decision-makers improve the quality of programs and strengthen, integrate and extend the reach of local policies that guide resource allocation, accountability and workforce development.

According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, "while quality improvement itself is critical, meaningful improvements are only sustained when community demand for improved services exists, when resources and policies are aligned in support of quality improvement, and when young people themselves as well as other key stakeholders are meaningfully engaged in the process." Kentucky Child Now is excited to work with agencies across the state in a collaborative effort to improve the quality of programs in Kentucky, therefore helping to ensure that Kentucky’s youth are Ready by 21 -- ready for college, ready for work and ready for life!
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The Mott Foundation Invests in a Collaboration of Caring Adults to Help Kentucky’s Youth
"It seems to me that every person, always, is in a kind of informal partnership with his community. His own success is dependent to a large degree on that community, and the community, after all, is the sum total of the individuals who make it up. The institutions of a community, in turn, are the means by which those individuals express their faith, their ideals and their concern for fellow men."
-- Charles Stewart Mott, 1875-1973

10/22/07
Charles Steward Mott, and automotive pioneer, was a visionary and a philanthropist with a deep commitment to community. Decades after his passing, thousands of Kentucky’s children will continue to benefit from Charles Steward Mott’s commitment to community due to a generous grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.

The Foundation, which was founded in 1926 by automotive pioneer, Mott, recently awarded Kentucky Child Now a three-year, $450,000 grant (including matching funds from the Kentucky Department of Education and the Kentucky Department of Health & Family Services) to create an afterschool network in Kentucky that will bring together stakeholders to promote policies and support for quality and sustainable afterschool programs.

According to the Mott foundation, "building strong communities through collaboration provides a basis for positive change. As we have found, the most effective solutions often are those devised locally, where people have the greatest stake in the outcome." With this in mind, Kentucky Child Now will work in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Education to create the Kentucky Afterschool Network. The Network will:

• create a sustainable structure of statewide, regional, and local partnerships;
• support the development and growth of statewide policies that will secure the resources that are needed to sustain new and existing afterschool programs;
• support statewide systems to ensure programs are of high quality.

"The Mott Foundation’s support will jump–start and sustain successful afterschool programs in Kentucky," said Carol Blethen, Executive Director for Kentucky Child Now. "It will provide the structure and mechanism to bring together the key decision-makers on afterschool programs in the state to ensure that each and every one of our youth experience the fundamental resources they need to succeed in life: caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, marketable skills, and opportunities to serve."

Kentucky Child Now is honored to be a part of the afterschool network and looks forward to working with policymakers, educators, youth development workers, program developers, child advocates and parents to ensure that Kentucky’s youth experience the benefits of an afterschool network – a network built through the collaborative network of caring adults!
To learn more about the Kentucky Afterschool Network please contact Kentucky Child Now.
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What does the largest Job Corps site in the state of Kentucky have in common with Kentucky Child Now?
08/02/07
Caring Adults!

Job Corps, a no-cost education and vocational training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, "helps young people ages 16 – 24 get a better job, make more money, and take control of their lives."

While participating in Job Corps, the youth live on campus and are under the care of Independent Living Advisors (ILA). ILA’s play a critical role in the campus life of the Job Corps youth. Though their job duties may include ensuring that the youth are accounted for, have a safe and clean environment, and continue to develop life skills, ILAs often find themselves in roles such as guardian, guidance counselor, and most importantly the role of a caring adult!

Recognizing the influential role ILA’s play in the Job Corps environment, the Earle C. Clements Job Corps Academy selected thirteen Job Corps’ ILAs to participate in Kentucky Child Now’s 28 hr. Advancing Youth Development Training. The training, which introduced the fundamental concepts of a youth development approach, provided a common language for the way in which ILA’s communicate about youth development and interact with youth. The training also provided practical skill sets in which the will be able to immediately integrate into their daily work with youth ... tools which support and empower youth to succeed.
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Volunteers Needed for our Board of Directors
08/02/07
If you are passionate about helping Kentucky’s youth succeed and believe in our mission, then we invite you to consider serving on our board of directors.

Kentucky Child Now strives to have a 25–member Board of Directors whose composition mirrors the diversity of the Commonwealth and who possess the complexity of business skills necessary to ensure the effective governance, growth and fiscal responsibility of the organization, as well as the timeliness, appropriateness, and effectiveness of its programs

Currently, we have several vacancies including the Treasurer position, and we are looking for candidates who can strengthen the organization in the following key areas: evaluation, finance, fund development, HR, legal, marketing, public relations, and planning.

Board membership requires quarterly meetings in Frankfort. Interested in serving Kentucky’s youth? Learn more about the opportunities and positions available with our Board of Directors. www.kychildnow.org/boardOfDirectors
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Kentucky Ranks 40th in the Nation ... and it’s an Improvement!
08/22/07
When it comes to Kentucky basketball, a ranking of 40th in the nation would be a shock, but in terms of the well–being of Kentucky’s children, the ranking of 40th is an improvement.

According to the 2007 National KIDS COUNT Data Book, Kentucky ranks low among states in terms of the conditions of America’s children and families. The KIDS COUNT Data Book, a compellation of research by the Anne. E. Casey Foundation, ranks states on ten key indicators of child well–being including birth weight of babies, child death rate, teen birth rate, drop–out rate, child poverty rate and the number of disconnected youth.

Though Kentucky moved up 2 spots from last year’s ranking, there is still much work to be done. Kentucky ranked in the lowest ten states on four out of ten categories nationally: percentage of teens not in school and not working; teen death rate; securely –employed parents; and children living in poverty.

The information contained in the National KIDS COUNT Data Book sends a powerful message to Kentuckians for the need to ensure that our youth have access to the fundamental resources they need to succeed in life. Whether advocating for important policies that will define the culture within which our children grow, building strategic partnerships, or setting powerful goals and benchmarks to quantify results, Kentucky Child Now is dedicated to the health and success of Kentucky’s youth. A mission that will no doubt, show that Kentucky’s kids "COUNT!"

For more detailed information about Kentucky’s ranking in the KIDS COUNT survey visit Kentucky Youth Advocates.
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Kentuckians honored at the 2007 Destiny Awards Gala
07/05/07
Kentucky Child Now and hundreds of Kentucky’s youth and adults honored the work of six individuals and organizations at the 2007 Destiny Awards. The Destiny Award, was created to recognized individuals and organizations who are dedicated to the welfare of Kentucky’s kids and who have demonstrated significant leadership in fulfilling the Five Promises ... Caring Adults, Safe Places, a Healthy Start, Marketable Skills and Opportunities to Serve.

Kentucky Senator Katie Stine was honored as an Elected Official fulfilling the Promise of Caring Adults for her introduction of Senate Joint Resolution 184. The resolution connects resources and supports to develop opportunities for Kentucky’s youth.

Carol Baughman, Children and Young Adults Consultant, accepted the Destiny Award for the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. The Department for Libraries and Archives was recognized as an Organization fulfilling the Promise of Safe Places, after recognizing the need to better understand teens. They department embarked on a proactive approach to youth development to help foster healthy relationships, create safe places and engage youth.

Steve Wing, Director of Government Programs accepted CVS/pharmacy’s Destiny Award. CVS/pharmacy was recognized as a Business fulfilling the Promise of Marketable Skills due to their Pathways to Pharmacy initiative, the company’s internship program designed to help disadvantaged youth take a first step in a pharmacy career. The program has served more than 6,000 students in more than 40 cities!

Michelle Napier was recognized as an Individual fulfilling the Promise of a Healthy Start. Ms. Napier, a retired certified nurse practitioner of Williamstown Independent Schools, recognized the positive impact school-based health centers had on the health and well-being of the children in Williamstown Independent schools and began to work as a children’s health advocate. Her advocacy lead to the organization of the Kentucky School Based Health Center Collaborative, a network of support and communication between Kentucky’s school based health centers.

The Kaleidoscope Youth Advisory Council of Bowling Green, Kentucky was recognized as Youth fulfilling the Promise of Opportunities to Serve. The Kaleidoscope Youth Advisory Council provide peer leadership, assist in classroom instruction, represent Kaleidoscope in the community, evaluate programs and respond to the needs in communities through service projects.

Linda Funk of Elizabethtown, Kentucky was presented with the Distinguished Service Award for her lifetime commitment to Kentucky’s youth. Linda Funk has invested over 30 years working for safe and successful futures for youth, children and their families through her professional efforts and untold hours of volunteerism.
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4th Annual Great Kids Summit a huge success!
07/05/07
Over three hundred and seventy of Kentucky’s youth and adults, representing seventy four of Kentucky’s communities, visited Louisville June 28-30 at the 4th annual Great Kids Summit! The summit, an annual conference hosted by Kentucky Child Now, was an opportunity to bring youth and adults together to build success and create positive change in Kentucky. And come together they did! In true commitment to the Kentucky Child Now’s philosophy of youth and adult partnerships, equal numbers of youth (ages 13-24) and adults enjoyed the Summit!

The success stems from Kentucky Child’s Now commitment to working with youth and viewing them as resources and leaders. The Kentucky Child Now Youth Advisory Council played in integral part in the planning stages of the summit, as well as the execution. The Council helped with event details such as picking the theme, selecting workshops and previewing speakers. Youth also took leadership roles at the conference by emceeing the plenary sessions, summit idol and the Destiny Awards; awarding door prizes in the exhibit hall and even participating as workshop trainers!

Great Kids Summit attendees found more than they bargained for at this year’s Summit due to the input of the Kentucky Child Now Youth Advisory Council. They experienced a unique blend of Kentucky’s youth leaders, world renowned speakers, interactive and energetic workshops and a celebration of Kentuckians who have dedicated their lives to Kentucky’s youth. The result? Youth feel inspired and empowered to be resources and leaders. Adults leave with a renewed commitment to give young people opportunities to lead, to serve, to contribute, to have a voice and to be valued in their community.

Five Kentucky Communities Rank Among the 100 Best for Young People
2/12/08
The results are in! Four Kentucky communities have been awarded recognition as one of the 2008 - 100 Best Communities for Young People in America. In fact, each of these four communities has been recognized as a “best community” three years in a row!

The competition, presented by the America’s Promise Alliance, “recognizes outstanding community-wide efforts that improve the well-being of youth ... leading communities to assess their efforts, work more effectively together for young people, and share best practices.”

Learn what the America’s Promise Alliance has to say about these Kentucky communities:

Lexington, KY: Renowned for its distinctive bluegrass pastureland and beautiful rolling horse farms, Lexington offers a host of programs and collaborations established to assure that its youth have an adult support system, are physically and mentally healthy, and have positive experiences during non-school-hour programming. We Can, a new education outreach program, helps youth aged 8-13 remain at a healthy weight through improved food choices and increased physical activity.
Learn More

Louisville Metro, KY: This home of the Kentucky Derby is also a residence to individuals and groups that strive to affect young lives through its programs, funding and human capital. Initiated by Greater Louisville Inc., Every1Reads, a cross sector program, has helped reduce the number of students reading below grade level by mobilizing community volunteers to assist struggling readers in schools and after-school programs.
Learn more

Mt. Sterling/Montgomery County, KY: Mount Sterling is a city that lies within Montgomery County, Kentucky and, combined, they have been selected in part, because of their work to ensure students have the best problem-solving skills to manage their future. The Reality Store program provides mock life experiences for eighth graders, where they are issued jobs, salaries, and checkbooks, and must face costs and problems associated with daily living.
Learn More

Murray-Calloway County, KY: Murray-Calloway County is named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People for the third time in part because of its emphasis on strengthening families and improving outcomes for children and youth by identifying needs, opportunities and priorities for future action; promoting effective city/school collaboration; encouraging and supporting youth voice, engagement, and leadership; and measuring progress over time.
Learn More

Share your organization’s ideas on how to design and implement effective out–of–school programs!
10/08/07
The Office of Leadership and School Improvement has issued a Request for Application (RFA) for local school districts, community and faith–based organizations, as well as other qualifying private and governmental organizations to design and implement effective out–of–school programs that improve student achievement and social development.
Application deadline is December 19.
For more information and an application visit the
21st Century Learning Center web site.
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A Change is Coming to Bryan Station High School
07/27/07
A change is coming to Bryan Station High School in Lexington, Ky – a "Change of Heart!" Fifteen incoming freshmen participated in Kentucky Child Now’s Change of Heart training on July 26.

The youth, participants in the Bryan Station Youth Safety Corps, worked with KCN trainers Stephanie Reynolds & Brian Perry as well as KCN youth trainers, Jessica Carter a high school sophomore from Versailles, and Jasmine Cole, a high school junior from Louisville to discuss their new roles as incoming freshmen and how they can better feel connected. They also identified problems and barriers in their school and how they would address them over the next year. Despite the serious subject matter discussed, participants commented that they had "a fun and great experience" and that the training was "awesome!"

The Bryan Station Youth Safety Corps will continue to meet throughout the year to tackle issues identified in their Change of Heart training including the pressure and stress of being a freshman; connecting with other students and teachers; improving academic performance; and most importantly creating a safe and caring school environment at Bryan Station High School.
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Youth Policy Experts meet with Congressman Yarmuth
07/27/07
TJ Delahanty, UK 4-H Youth Development Specialist who works closely with Kentucky Child Now, traveled to Washington, D.C. last week (July 23 & 24) to attend the National Afterschool Association (NAA) state affiliates annual meeting. While in Washington he met Freshman Congressman John Yarmuth (D-Louisville) and had a meeting with his Legislative Aid: Kiran Bhatraju.

Congressman Yarmuth and staff are taking a lead in the reauthorization of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA). Delahanty arranged for national youth policy experts from the Forum for Youth Investment and National Collaboration for Youth to attend this meeting to discuss the pressing issues Kentucky’s youth are facing. The group addressed these issues, as well as the importance of coordination of youth services. Partnering with each other by building relationships allows youth service professionals to increase the positive impact of their programs, ensuring that youth have access to the fundamental resources they need to succeed in life ...the Five Promises!

Overall it was a highly successful meeting and trip to D.C. for Kentucky’s Youth and Kentucky Child Now!
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Is your community among America’s 100 Best for Young People?
08/10/07
The America’s Promise Alliance has announced their 2008 competition to name the 100 Best Communities for Young People. According to America’s Promise, "The 100 Best Communities for Young People is an annual competition which recognizes outstanding community-wide efforts that improve the well-being of youth. The competition also inspires other localities to take action to ensure they’re meeting the challenges facing their young people."

Several Kentucky communities brought home this coveted award in 2007: Lexington–Fayette Urban County, Louisville Metro, Mt. Sterling, and Murray–Calloway County. The competition, which "asks communities across the country to asses their challenges and work effectively together for young people, and share best practices" allows communities to recognize how their communities serve their youth based on the Five Promises.

Mt. Sterling made a commitment to ensure that children and youth have mentors and caring, supportive adults in their lives. Recognizing the need to expand these relationships beyond home and school and into the communities, all sectors of the community, including non-profit, government, corporate, came together to expand these relationships beyond the home and school.

Despite Mt. Sterling’s success being honored multiple years as a 100 Best community, Louise Summers, Director of Communications for Montgomery County Schools shares the need for continued commitment. "Being named to the 100 Best Communities for Young People is indeed an honor," said Summers. "However, it is not a statement of perfection. It simply means that as a community we have mobilized our efforts to meet the needs of our youth. The most important thing we can do as caring adults is to nurture our youth and aid them in fulfilling all the promises of the future," said Summers.

To share the successes in your community and for application information please visit: www.americaspromise.org Deadline: 11/02/07
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Flash Judgments Coming to Ohio County Middle School!
08/10/07
Can you accurately judge a person based on just a flash of their photograph? That is what seventh graders and staff at the Ohio County Middle School in Hartford, Kentucky will discover as they have only a few seconds to look at a number of photographs.

In an effort to integrate the Developmental Assets into everything that they do, Ohio County Schools called upon Kentucky Child Now’s training team to energize students and faculty about the Developmental Assets. Identified and developed by the Search Institute, the Developmental Assets are fundamental qualities, experiences and support that youth need to be successful in life. In August 2006, Kentucky Child Now presented Flash Judgments, an exercise of the Search Institute’s Change of Heart curriculum to over 700 seventh and eight graders.

On August 9th, Jennifer Watson, a certified trainer for Kentucky Child Now, will return to Ohio County to present an encore Flash Judgment exercise to new seventh graders, as well as provide a review of the Assets to eight graders. The focus? To look at how one’s perceptions of other people can influence his or her actions and affect the ability to build meaningful relationships.

Flash Judgments is an effective way to help all members, both staff and students, gain insight into themselves and their interaction with others. The activity involves rating a series of photographs as positive, negative or neutral, based on the question, "Would I like this person?" After the judgments have been made, students and staff discuss what their reactions were and more importantly, why they reacted the way that they did. With an initial acknowledgement of how differences connect rather than divide, the right tone is set for building Assets and promoting positive relationships within the school.
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Bluegrass Child & Adolescent Mental & Behavioral Training Consultants Announced!
10/11/07
Kentucky Child Now is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Karen Sorrell, C.M. and Dr. Amit Deokar, M.D. as consultants for the Child and Adolescent Mental and Behavioral Health Training program to take place in the Kentucky Bluegrass Region this fall. The trainings are part of Kentucky Child Now’s Mental Health Initiative which aims to improve the integration of medical, mental and behavioral health care for children and adolescents in Kentucky. Both consultants will provide expert guidance, raise awareness, and continue to build alliances through follow-up conference calls and workshops on the integration of children and adolescent medical, mental and behavioral health care through 2008.

Ms. Sorrell has been working in the Bluegrass Region for the last five years as a mental health professional serving children and their families. She is also involved in her community and has been a volunteer for family and youth ministry for over 20 years. Ms. Sorrell is presently working with the Bluegrass Regional MHMR Board as the case manager for Therapeutic Foster Care and has also served as a service coordinator for Bluegrass IMPACT West, a family advocate for children with fetal alcohol syndrome, an educator on drugs and alcohol abuse prevention, and as a family coach for elementary school truancy intervention.

Dr. Amit Deokar is a Pediatrician working in the Adolescent Division at the Kentucky Clinic for the University of Kentucky in Lexington. Dr. Deokar’s specialty interests include Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine, Public Health, and the Young Parent Program in the Adolescent Division at the University of Kentucky. Since 1991, he has worked in the medical profession in Gerontology and on mental health issues for children and adolescents. Dr. Deokar is new to Kentucky but is embracing our commonwealth and our strong devotion to children and families which compliments his strong commitment to the medical profession, his patients, and their families.

We, at Kentucky Child Now, are very excited to work with Ms. Sorrell and Dr. Deokar as we work to improve access to comprehensive health care and to ensure a healthy start for Kentucky’s youth.

To learn more about Mental and Behavioral Health Trainings in the Bluegrass area, visit: www.kychildnow.org/cambh/trainingDatesLocations.html
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Kentucky Child Now Releases New Edition of the Mental Health Flowchart
09/26/07
Kentucky Child Now had just released a new edition of the Flowchart on Access to Mental Health Services for Children Birth to Age 5. Designed to improve access to mental health services for young children, this tool assists service providers in the referral of children birth to age 5 to mental health services through various early childhood settings.

Funding for the updated 2007 Flowchart on Access to Mental Health Services for Children Birth to Age 5 is provided by the Child Health Practitioner Support Program of the US Department of Health & Human Services.

MAIL: To request multiply copies of the flowchart, please contact KY Child Now Office Manager: Susie Horn. A shipping/handling charge will be applied as follows:

ONLINE:
Flowchart on Access to Mental Health Services for Children Birth to Age 5
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Treating the "Whole" Child
08/24/07
Five Northern Kentucky School–Based Health Centers (SBHC) were given a new tool, last Thursday evening – training and access to free online mental & behavioral health screenings provided by Kentucky Child Now via a grant from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.

Because SBHCs medical professionals have daily interaction with the children in their school, they offer the ability to monitor both the student’s physical and mental well-being from a unique vantage point. The confidential screening tool and integrated model, allows SBHC nurse practitioners the opportunity to integrate mental and behavioral health screening with their primary care. The goal is to view the "whole" child and not limit the diagnosis or treatment to either a physical or a mental issue. Students with scores indicating a need for further evaluation are referred to a mental health counselor onsite at their school.

Under the current system, funding for behavioral health services for children and adolescents is fragmented and disjointed, which makes it difficult for SBHCs to provide integrated services in an effective manner. For the child, Kentucky Child Now’s integrated model offers a solution to this problem. The integrated model will help to:

• improve access to behavioral health services;
• improve the academic success for students receiving behavioral health services;
• improve parental participation in treatment; improve the psychological well–being of students;
• and improve the overall health status.

For SBHCs, the screening tool offers an efficient and effective path to treatment for a child. Treatment for the students they interact with every day.
Learn more about SBHC.
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Kentuckians rally in support of School–Based Health Care on Capital Hill!
07/25/07
John Webb, School–Based Health Center Coordinator of Kentucky Child Now, traveled to Washington, D.C. on June 27 to advocate the need for accessible health care for Kentucky’s youth.

Webb and fellow advocates, Wookena Alder and Kim Nakamura, representatives from the Boone County Health Dept. School–Based Health Center, rallied on Capitol Hill to share the message of legislation supporting school–based health care and the importance of creating a comprehensive "safety net" at the center of a child’s world – their school – ensuring quick diagnoses, treatment and ongoing health.

Webb and other members of the Kentucky School–Based Health Center Collaborative met with staff from the offices of U.S. Representatives, Ben Chandler and Geoff Davis, as well as U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell and Jim Bunning to alert them to the current federal legislation and the importance of Kentucky’s School–Based Health Centers. In particular, they wanted to draw attention to three bills currently introduced in Congress: S1669/HR 2870 The Healthy Schools Act of 2007 and S.600 The School–Based Health Clinic Establishment Act of 2007.

The advocacy day was held in conjunction with the 2007 National Assembly on School–Based Health Care Convention.
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Kentucky Child Now awarded 3rd year of funding for Mental Health Project
07/31/07
Kentucky Child Now recently received a grant award from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services for the third-year of a mental health project that aims to improve the integration of medical, mental and behavioral health care for children and adolescents in Kentucky.

The third year promises to be the Mental Health project’s most exciting yet with the introduction of an online training program. The online training program, currently in its final stages of development, will offer a comprehensive, convenient and accessible learning environment for Kentucky’s busy medical, mental and behavioral health professionals. On-site trainings will also be available in the Bluegrass, Communicare and River Valley Regions of Kentucky in Fall 07/Winter 08.

As "Keepers of the 5 Promises," Kentucky Child Now is working in partnership with the Kentucky Pediatric Society to ensure a healthy start for children and youth in Kentucky. To learn more about our grant projects visit our Mental Health Project page and watch for exciting updates.
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Child and Adolescent Mental and Behavioral Health Trainings Coming to the Bluegrass!
07/31/07
Kentucky Child Now and the Kentucky Pediatric Society are co-hosting Child & Adolescent Mental and Behavioral Health Trainings in the Bluegrass of Kentucky! Three trainings will be offered this October and November in the Bluegrass Region. Additional trainings will be held in the Communicare and the River Valley Region.

The four-hour trainings provided for primary care health providers and mental health professionals will cover the following key elements:

• Overview of common mental and behavioral health and substance abuse problems
• Recognition of mental and behavioral health problems
• Mental and behavioral heath and substance abuse screening
• Skill development to enable successful engagement of families and patients in the development of the treatment plan
• Networking and resources

The training is targeted toward medical, mental and behavioral health professionals. The training valued at $275 is free fee, and is underwritten by the Child Health Practitioner Support Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

To Learn More Visit: www.kychildnow.org/cambh
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KCN Youth Advisory Council Vice–Chair & Board Member Meets Colin & Alma Powell
08/31/07
Kentucky Child Now Youth Advisory Council Vice–Chair and Board Member, Glenn Means met with two of America’s most influential leaders during a recent trip to Washington, D.C. Means, a member of the America’s Promise Youth Partnership Team, flew to Washington, D.C. for a planning session where he met with youth from across the nation and the Founding Chair of America’s Promise, General Colin Powell (RET.) & Chair of America’s Promise Alliance, Alma Powell.

"Meeting with the Powells was an exhilarating experience that I will take with me for the rest of me life. They are caring people that truly believe in the success of the five promises and they are great role models for our country. They should be commended for all the efforts and great leadership they have given to this great organization," said Means.

According to Means the team accomplished many goals during the planning session including some new projects and initiatives. Means was also introduced to America’s Promise’s new Colin and Alma Powell Legacy Campaign. The campaign hopes to raise over 50 million dollars to support the national action strategies which are:

• All Kids Covered – health insurance
• Where the Kids Are – Making sure more services are offered and bringing those services to the youth
• Ready for Your World – Implementing service learning and career exploration into the middle school years.

The campaign would help improve the lives of 15 million at–risk children, by "harnessing the power" of the Five Promises. Means noted that, so far, the Legacy Campaign has raised over 22 million dollars!

To learn more about America’s Promise and to hear Colin & Alma Powell introduce the Legacy Campaign visit America’s Promise
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An Unorthodox Approach
08/14/07
When librarians, from across Kentucky, filtered into a classroom for a Positive Youth Development training they found that Kentucky Child Now’s training team is a bit unorthodox. Along side veteran KCN trainers, Jennifer Watson and T.J. Delahanty, stood Jasmin Cole, a high school junior from Louisville and valued KCN youth trainer.

Cole is one of thirty, KCN youth trainers, who work along side the KCN Youth Development team. KCN began its Youth Trainers program in 2004, understanding that one of the best ways for both youth and adults to relate to youth-related issues is to have actual youth as trainers.

Though Cole’s role in the trainings is as a resource and a leader, she often finds that she can learn as much from the audience as they can learn from her. "My favorite part of the training would happen to be the ice breakers. This gives us, as youth trainers, the opportunity to know who we will be working with during the training," said Cole. When working with other youth, "they can talk and open up to us (youth trainers) more because we are the same age as them and probably have gone through some of the things they have," said Cole.

Youth trainers play a key role in conducting trainings by helping to facilitate events and design training agendas and activities. However, Cole feels that her role as a youth trainer offers something more ... a unique insight into the lives of youth, which will ultimately result in a better relationship between librarians and the teens they work with. "When we were working with the librarians, I don’t think they would have had a better understanding of teens if we were not there," said Cole.
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Young People Engaged as Leaders and Resources through Youth Trainers Program
10/01/06
The Kentucky Child Now! Youth Trainers Program, which began in 2004, is well underway for 2006. "We have a great group of young people from across Kentucky that will be working with us this year," said Jennifer Watson, Youth Development Training Coordinator at Kentucky Child Now!.

Kentucky Child Now! believes young people are resources and leaders-part of the solution, not the problem. The Youth Trainers Program is one of many ways in which KCN is modeling youth involvement and creating opportunities for young people to be involved in meaningful roles within their school, programs, and community.

The new youth trainers attended a two-day training session where they learned the essentials of training. Trainees learned about different learning styles, how to make visually appealing flipcharts, as well as different strategies to use to engage their audience. "This program allows young people to develop skills and confidence that they will carry with them through out their life time," Watson said.

"The training of trainers was exciting and helpful," said Sondra Campbell a new youth trainer from Hazard. "I can't wait for the up coming trainings. I feel very honored to be a part of the Kentucky Child Now! Youth Trainers program and I hope I can help make a difference."

Two youth trainers from last year also participated as trainers and facilitators during the two day training. "It is great to be back this year helping to train the new cadre of trainers," said Jessica Amburgey a freshman at the University of Kentucky and a second year youth trainer.

"This year's trainers combined with past trainers will provide Kentucky Child Now! with the resources and support they need to expand their trainings across the state," said Glenn Means, a second year trainer from Mt. Sterling . "I enjoyed providing the new youth trainers with information on the program and I look forward to working with them over the next year."

The new trainers wasted no time applying what they learned in the sessions; each trainer gave a short presentation using the strategies they learned and were evaluated by their peers.

The new youth trainers will conduct at least three trainings over the next year, and many are looking forward to this opportunity. "What I enjoyed most about the overall experience was the fact that I feel like I now have a medium to which I can make a difference in my community," said Grace Miles a new youth trainer from Louisville.

Jessica Carter expressed the importance of the experience. "I encourage anyone who is interested in being a trainer to try it, because it is a life changing experience that I wouldn't take back for the world."
Learn more about our Youth Trainers Program
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Step dancers win Summit Idol!
07/12/07
A group of Lexington youth took home the honors of Summit Idol at this year’s Great Kids Summit. Essence Hayes, Brandi Jackson and Faith Puckett, members of a Lexington neighborhood Youth Advisory Council, performed an energetic step dance routine. Their bold and dramatic dance routine featured synchronized stomps and claps which had the audience engaged from the start.

Though Hayes, Jackson & Puckett took home the $50 cash prize, a number of youth performed in Kentucky Child Now’s Summit Idol. The competition, which was limited to youth ages 13-24, showcased the amazing talent of Kentucky’s young leaders. Young pianists played their original compositions. Singers belted out country ballads. Dancers glided or stomped across the stage. An artist drew a full sketch in a matter of minutes to the beat of rap music. Even a young martial artist performed a tae kwon-do routine.
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Three young artists receive $500 Creative Youth Award!
07/14/07
Luke Davidson, Devon Gilbert & Charlie Goering were presented with the Kentucky Child Now Creative Youth Award at the 2007 Destiny Awards ceremony. Dozens of Kentucky’s young artists, grades 7–12, submitted paintings, sketches and photographs for consideration in the annual art expo. This year’s subject theme was "Learn Today. Earn Tomorrow!" and complimented Kentucky Child Now’s mission to ensure that every youth experiences marketable skills through effective education.

From the simplicity of a pencil sketch to the meticulous details of paints, Kentucky’s youth were able to develop a wide variety of compositions that reflected the different interpretations of the importance of education and marketable skills. The artwork was then reviewed by a panel of professional artists who judged the entries based on originality, creativity and technical proficiency.

Davidson, a 12th grade student from Madison County, used crayons as his medium to capture a heart warming sketch of a caring adult reading to a 9–year–old child with Down’s Syndrome. Davidson explains why he chose crayons as his medium, "Holly is a 9–year–old child with Down’s Syndrome. Deb, Holly’s aide, has spent hours in this chair sharing the wonder of reading with her. Holly like to color with crayons, so I thought crayons would be a good medium for this picture."

Gilbert, an 11th grade student from Powell County, used paints and colored pencils to create the scene of a young student asleep on the couch after studying for an important exam. "The picture shows someone who has been hard at work ... they fall asleep and all things around start to fade out of existence, sort of like the anxiety is diminishing," said Gilbert in her artist’s statement.

Goering, an 8th grade student from Kenton County, used pencil to sketch Benjamin Franklin. His artist statement reveils his thought process, "My picture shows Benjamin Franklin in a graduation cap. It means that if you attend school and learn you will see more of him in your pocket."

Each of these young artists shows a true passion for their art and their future as artists. It is with great honor that Kentucky Child Now was able to recognize their creative talent and to encourage them to continue to build their skills as artists.
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Application deadline extended!
Kentucky Child Now is currently accepting applications for the 2008-2009 Youth Advisory Council!
7/16/08
Are you a leader? Kentucky needs you! Join Kentucky Child Now’s newly expanded 2008-2009 Youth Advisory Council and your voice will be heard!

You will be offered the opportunity to:

• advise the Kentucky Child Now Board of Directors on decisions and policies that impact Kentucky’s youth;
• be a spokesperson for the Kentucky Afterschool Network, the Kentucky School-Based Health Care Network, and issues that affect youth across Kentucky;
• become an expert youth trainer;
• provide leadership for state and local community service projects; and
• promote youth involvement in schools and communities.

Benefits for you:

• Develop leadership skills
• Resume builder
• Stipend for travel and expenses
• Potential scholarship
• Networking with both youth and community leaders across the Commonwealth
• Statewide support for service learning projects

Service on the Youth Advisory Council involves a one year commitment and the ability to dedicate at least 10-15 hours per month to Youth Advisory Council activities. The Youth Advisory Council meets via conference calls and/or online chats at least once per month. Orientation and trainings will be held in Frankfort, KY at Kentucky Child Now! (Stipend for travel and expenses provided.)

Make a difference in Kentucky. Download the 2008-2009 Youth Advisory Council Application and guidelines or contact Glenn Means, Kentucky Child Now Youth Advisory Council Coordinator at 502-227-7722. Deadline for applications: September 15, 2008.

Great Kids Summit Attendees Give BIG
3/11/08
Kentucky’s youth proved that they could give BIG! Over 421 pounds of food were donated at the CAN-DO Food Drive, an on-site service project at the 5th Annual Great Kids Summit! Hundreds of cans and boxes of non-perishable food items were collected and then donated to the God’s Pantry Food Bank Emergency Food Program in Lexington, KY. The donated food will help to provide meals for hundreds of children across the Bluegrass.

The CAN-DO Food Drive was one of many on-site service projects planned by the Kentucky Child Now Youth Advisory Council. Other projects included a promotional and pledge campaign for the national Cell Phones for Soldiers project and a Promise Packs project, in which event attendees assembled care packs for children in crisis. The Promise Packs were donated to local shelters to help comfort children in times of crisis.

The on-site service projects modeled youth lead service and helped Summit attendees to gear up for Youth Service America’s Global Youth Service Day - the largest service event in the world, scheduled for April 25 - 27, 2008. Kentucky Child Now has been designated by Youth Service America to serve as lead agency for Kentucky during Global Youth Service Day. As lead agency we work to encourage and support youth lead service projects throughout the Commonwealth giving our state’s young leaders opportunities to serve.

To learn more about how to begin a serhttp://www.kychildnow.org/gysdvice project or to register your service project online, please visit www.kychildnow.org/gysd
or contact Linda Long, Kentucky Child Now Community Youth Development Coordinator.

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Kentucky Child Now Leads the Way
12/03/07
Once again, Kentucky Child Now has been chosen as lead agency for Global Youth Service Day by Youth Service America. Global Youth Service day, the largest service event in the world will take place Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27, 2008 and involve millions of youth in Kentucky, in the United States, and in more than 100 countries across the world.

"At Kentucky Child Now, we are committed to opening doors of hope and opportunity for youth. Volunteerism is a wonderful way to strengthen our community, while teaching valuable skills and life lessons," explained Linda Long, Community Youth Development Coordinator, Kentucky Child Now.

Over the next several months, Kentucky Child Now will seek to: build the capacity of a statewide network of organizations that promotes youth participation, service, and learning; educate the public, the media, and policy–makers about the year–round contributions of young people around the state; and mobilize youth and adults to meet the needs of their communities through volunteering. Our goals are to:

• Engage at least 7,000 young people in service during Global Youth Service Day
• Support at least 70 service projects during Global Youth Service Day
• Involve at least 30 communities in service during Global Youth Service Day

Kentucky Child Now will also offer a Youth Involvement Showcase during the 2008 Great Kids Summit, February 25 & 26, 2008 to profile youth and adults across Kentucky who have partnered and made a difference in their schools or communities. The Youth Involvement Showcase is designed by Kentucky Child Now to not only profile those making a difference, but to inspire and empower young people to be leaders and change agents in their own communities.

For more information about local events or to get involved, please contact: Linda Long, Community Youth Development Coordinator, 502-227-7722.

Call for Youth involvement
11/16/07
How are youth and adults in your school or community working together to make a difference? We, at KCN, invite you to share your successes hundreds of youth and adults from across the Commonwealth!

Kentucky Child Now will be hosting a Youth Involvement Showcase: Positive Change Starts with YOUth on February 26th, 2008! The Showcase, which will be held in conjunction with the 5th Annual Great Kids Summit, will involve two tracks – school and community – and will feature panel and roundtable discussions. The purpose of the showcase is to share information about how youth and adults are working together to create positive change in schools and communities. Model programs may include various types and/or levels of participation such as youth voice, advocacy, organizing, governance, civic engagement, leadership, or service and volunteerism.

One youth and one adult presenter from selected programs will receive complimentary registration to the Great Kids Summit and must be available on February 26th from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. to present their program and participate in a Q&A session with Great Kids Summit participants.

Download Youth Involvement Showcase Guidelines and Application For more information contact: Linda Long or call 502-227-7722 for more information.
Deadline: November 30, 2007
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Global Youth Service Day Award Winners
07/24/07
Kentucky Child Now announced the 2007 Global Youth Service Day Award winners, Friday, June 29 at the 4th Annual Great Kids Summit. The event was sponsored in part by Kentucky State Farm was part of Kentucky Child Now’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people to be involved in meaningful roles within their school, community and youth-services. Chris Metz, a representative of State Farm awarded five cash prizes in the following categories: community, organization, and youth.

"National & Global Youth Service Day gives our youth a chance to make powerful contributions to their communities," said Carol E. Blethen, Executive Director of Kentucky Child Now. Contributions which not only change the communities around them, but allow Kentucky’s youth to prove that we need not wait for tomorrow for Kentucky’s youth to lead. Kentucky’s youth are the leaders of today.
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Earn a $500 Scholarship While Serving on our Youth Advisory Council
08/10/07
Would you like to receive $500 for college or vocational school while making a difference in your community? Kentucky Child Now is recruiting members for their 2007–2008 15 member Youth Advisory Council (YAC) through September 1, 2007. Applicants for the Kentucky Child Now Youth Advisory Council Member are required to:

• Reside in Kentucky
• Range between the ages of 13-24
• Commit to at least one year of service
• Attend bi–monthly meetings in Frankfort

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