Kentucky Seeks Volunteers to Protect Kids in Foster Care

Thousands of Kentucky children enter foster care each year after facing abuse or neglect, and a statewide volunteer program is recruiting everyday citizens to become their advocates.

The Citizen Foster Care Review Board (CFCRB) needs volunteers in 54 counties across Kentucky to review cases and make recommendations directly to courts and state agencies. These volunteers ensure children in the system receive necessary services and find safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.

The timing couldn't be more meaningful. April marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month, highlighting how communities can step up to protect their most vulnerable members.

The commitment is manageable for busy schedules. Volunteers review cases virtually just one day per month, with meeting times varying by board to accommodate different availability.

Getting started requires an application, background checks, and six hours of initial training. The training happens through two Zoom meetings and two self-paced online programs, making it accessible for people across the state.

Once training wraps up, the CFCRB recommends approved volunteers to local Family Court or District Court judges for official appointment. From there, they begin reviewing real cases and making a tangible difference in children's lives.

The Ripple Effect

Every case review creates waves of positive change. When volunteers advocate for a child, they're not just checking boxes on paperwork. They're ensuring kids get therapy, medical care, educational support, and visits with siblings separated by the system.

Their recommendations help judges make better-informed decisions about placement and permanency. When children move through foster care faster and into stable homes, research shows better outcomes for education, mental health, and future success.

"By volunteering with a CFCRB board, community members can play a direct role in improving outcomes for children in foster care," said CFCRB State Vice Chair Mika Tyler. "National Child Abuse Prevention Month reminds us that protecting children is a shared responsibility."

The need spans urban and rural Kentucky alike. Counties seeking volunteers range from Jefferson and Kenton to smaller communities like Wolfe, Owsley, and Robertson, showing that children everywhere need advocates.

One day a month could change a child's entire future.