FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 18, 2025) – Attorney General Russell Coleman has recognized April as Child Abuse Prevention Month to raise awareness and promote efforts to prevent the abuse and neglect of Kentucky’s children.
In 2022, the General Assembly created the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board to coordinate the Commonwealth’s efforts to protect children. The Board also oversees the Child Victims’ Trust Fund, which invests in prevention programming across Kentucky.
“Ending child abuse requires increasing awareness about the signs of abuse and the resources available to victims. Every one of Kentucky’s children deserves a chance at a happy and healthy childhood and I’m grateful to all those who work towards that common goal for our Commonwealth,” said Attorney General Coleman.
As chair of the Board, Attorney General Coleman announced that the Board is currently accepting applications for grant funding proposals for conferences and events providing educational and public informational programming regarding the prevention of child sexual abuse and exploitation and child abuse and neglect. Funding requests may range from $1,000 to $5,000 and proposals will be accepted through April 30, 2025.
Applications and additional information are available by visiting the Board’s web page.
Every adult Kentuckian has a duty to report child abuse. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call the Child Abuse Reporting Hotline at 877-597-2331, click here or contact a local police department.
The Board is comprised of the following fifteen members:
- Chairman of the Board, Attorney General Coleman, designee Assistant Attorney General Serah Wiedenhoefer
- Education & Workforce Development Cabinet, Secretary Jamie Link
- Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Secretary Eric Friedlander, designee Mary Carpenter
- Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, Secretary Keith Jackson, designee Mona Womack
- Kentucky State Police, Commissioner Phillip J. Burnett Jr., designee Captain Bradly Stotts
- Kentucky Youth Advocates, Executive Director Terry Brooks, designee Shannon Moody
- Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, Executive Director Jill Seyfred
- Kentucky Court Appointed Special Advocates Network, Inc., State Director/CEO Andrea Bruns
- Children's Advocacy Centers of Kentucky, Chief Executive Officer Caroline Ruschell
- Children's Alliance, President Michelle Sanborn
- Kentucky Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Executive Director Mary York Wright, designee Dr. Melissa Currie
- Kentucky Association of Regional Programs, Executive Director Steve Shannon
- Administrative Office of the Courts, Director Zach Ramsey, designee Eboni Thompson
- Member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, Speaker Pro Tempore David Meade (R-Garrard, Lincoln, Pulaski),
- Member of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate, Senator Julie Raque Adams (R-Jefferson)