Parent voices can and will transform Kentucky’s child welfare system | Opinion
In 2010, the American Bar Association (ABA) Center on Children and the Law and other national partners began recognizing June as National Reunification Month. This month in particular, but also year-round, the mother and father members of KY SEAT – Kentucky’s statewide birth parent advisory council – want people to know that parents and their children belong together, and parental growth and learning is possible, even in the most unlikely circumstances.
“The world went silent when I lost my child. But in that silence, I found a voice. Now, I speak for those who can’t, so no parent has to walk this path alone.” - Jeanna, Allen County
Biological parents, otherwise known as the home of origin, are critical to a child’s life. Children are connected to their heritage and culture through their birth parents. A child’s birth parents frequently serve as the most important and initial educators, giving the support, affection, and direction required for normal growth. No one else can form or have the bond that birth parents do with their children, and no one will love them or know them the way that a birth parent will.
“My son was never reunified with me. I get up everyday knowing that I never want anyone to go through the trauma my family has endured. I step up and advocate for the families like mine to make changes in policy and to remove the stigma that has been placed on birth parents like myself.” - Theda Simpson, Metcalfe County
Being on KY SEAT means participating in the development of programs and policies that impact families and advocating for systemic improvement and change based on personal experiences. For mothers and fathers on the council, membership is both an honor and a responsibility. Parents on KY SEAT serve as ambassadors for Kentucky parent voice and help change perspectives toward parental capacity and motivation.
“Advocacy gives me the opportunity to help make the birth parents’ voice just a little bit louder so they can be heard.” - Brandi, Warren County
The voice of those who have experienced the system is invaluable because it brings a level of expertise and understanding that can only come from direct experiences. The insight of parents with former child welfare involvement can help create more effective, compassionate, and tailored services that truly meet the needs of families. No one knows what families need better than families themselves.
“At that time, they labeled me a ‘hopeless’ drug addict. Taking my children caused me to spiral even more. My love for my children, and my family, led me to commit to getting the help we all needed. My husband and I are now youth leaders for our church. I am an active part of my children’s lives. Despite what they said, my family, and our hope, were restored.” - Jessica Copher, Montgomery County
Parents are more than their mistakes and perceived risks. They are human beings. With the right supports, services, and engagement, parents can be successful, and families can be restored. Parents matter, because they matter to their children. Will you listen to parents with us?
Valerie Frost is a Strategic Initiatives Associate at Kentucky Youth Advocates. KY SEAT, through a collaborative partnership of Kentucky Youth Advocates and the Department for Community Based Services, is a statewide council of birth parents advocating for and empowering others who have past experience with the child welfare system.
