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The 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book, published annually by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, is a national report that measures child well-being across all 50 states using 16 key indicators in four areas: economic well-being, education, health, and family and community. 

This updates state law to strengthen and modernize CASA programs so volunteers can more effectively advocate for abused and neglected children. The legislation also expands opportunities for volunteer recruitment and improves program structure, helping move Kentucky closer to serving children in every county.

When it comes to juvenile justice, we know that interventions and accountability should be informed by evidence-based research and data and that the complexities of this issue require multi-faceted solutions. This most recent state legislative session, we saw several one-size-fits-all responses that largely ignore root causes and proven solutions, instead mandating harsher punishments.

Read more about which laws were passed, how will they will affect kids, and where we go from here.

 The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) was signed in to law in February 2018 as part of the Bipartisan Budget Act (HR. 1892). Its purpose was to turn the focus of the child welfare system toward keeping children safely with their families to avoid the trauma that results when children are placed in out-of-home care.