Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (PCAK) held its annual Legislative/Policy Awards Ceremony Monday at the Lexington Convention Center during the Kids Are Worth It! Conference, which is Kentucky’s premier event dedicated to child and family well-being.
The ceremony honors elected leaders who champion the safety, protection, and well-being of Kentucky’s children and families through their policy leadership. Last year’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Gov. 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 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.”
Senator Brandon Storm (R-London) and Representative Nick Wilson (R-Williamsburg) were recognized for their leadership in supporting key legislation that strengthens protections and improves the well-being of children and families across Kentucky.
“Supporting Kentucky’s children and their families is at the heart of what we do,” said Jill Seyfred, Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky. “By working hand-in-hand with leaders like Senator Storm and Representative Wilson, we are advancing policies that protect children, strengthen families, and create safer Kentucky communities. Their dedication shows that real progress is possible when we unite around a shared commitment to support every child in Kentucky.”
Senator Brandon Storm was honored for championing Senate Bill 26, legislation ensuring that prospective adoptive or foster parents are not denied solely because of a disability when appropriate supports are available. His leadership, with the guidance and support of the Judicial Commission on Mental Health, made this important legislation a reality, strengthening parental rights and expanding opportunities for Kentucky’s children to find safe and loving homes.
“With the support of the Judicial Commission on Mental Health, we’ve ensured that children have greater access to adoptive and foster families, regardless of a caregiver’s disability when there are the proper supports in place,” Senator Storm said. “Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a safe and loving home, and every Kentuckian willing to provide that care deserves a fair opportunity to do so. I’m hopeful this will open more doors for children and families across our Commonwealth.”
Representative Nick Wilson received recognition for his leadership on House Bill 805, passed as part of another measure and implemented sweeping reforms to child welfare in Kentucky. His efforts clarified safety planning, expanded protections for children at risk of abuse or neglect, and strengthened accountability in child welfare investigations, advancing the safety and well-being of children and families across the Commonwealth.
“The safety and well-being of Kentucky’s children will always be a priority,” Representative Wilson shared. “With House Bill 805, we worked to bring clarity, accountability, and stronger protections into our child welfare system so that no child falls through the cracks. I look forward to continuing the partnership with Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky as we continue creating policies that truly set children up for success, while strengthening their support and protection.”
The Legislative/Policy Awards were part of PCAK’s annual Kids Are Worth It! Conference, which brings together child advocates, policy makers, and community leaders to collaborate on preventing child abuse and neglect across the Commonwealth.
Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (PCAK) is the Commonwealth’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
Through education, advocacy, and community partnerships, PCAK works to promote the safety, health, and well-being of all Kentucky children. Since its founding in 1987, PCAK has provided resources, training, and support to families, professionals, and communities to help ensure that every child in Kentucky has the opportunity to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.
