EKB News

A report written by two leading child advocacy groups, First Star in Washington D.C. and the Children's Advocacy Institute of the University of San Diego School of Law, which was released late last week gave Kentucky a failing D grade when it comes to protecting the legal rights of abused kids. As Kentucky was one of 8 states to earn a D, the report attributed the score, in part, to lack of a requirement that attorneys be trained before they are appointed to represent children in court and failure to require that representation continue through appeals. For decades, child advocates have pushed for changes, and, while Kentucky does provide voluntary training for court-appointed attorneys, it is not mandatory, and there are no checks on the competency of court-appointed attorneys. Child advocates met in Washington last week to discuss changes in the way the state handles legal representation for children and parents accused of neglect or abuse. They're seeking pay raises for for those interested in the training and a change in state laws to improve the legal system for children.