FRANKFORT, Ky. — Hundreds of Kentucky kids packed the halls of the state Capitol for Children’s Advocacy Day. It’s a yearly event, hosted by Kentucky Youth Advocates that gives kids a firsthand look at how government works, as part of a week’s worth of activities. This is also the 20th year it’s been held.

What You Need To Know

  • Children’s Advocacy Day brought  over 250  kids to the state Capitol Wednesday

  • It's put on by Kentucky Youth Advocates to help kids better advocate for legislation that impacts kids

  • Several people were recognized for their work in this field, including Leondrea Johnson, who works with REFORM Louisville

  • REFORM Louisville works with incarcerated youth and helps them stay on the right track once released

“We need the energy and passion that you brought here today to continue beyond Children’s Advocacy Day as we work together to improve the lives of Kentucky kids and families,” Amelia Williams, a high school student from Graves County and member of the Health Youth Ambassador’s program with Kentucky Youth Advocates said.

Surrounded by kids, advocates and lawmakers, everyone inside the Capitol Rotunda is looking to make the state a better place for the next generation.

“With your help, there is a big, bright future ahead of us for every Kentucky child,” Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., said.                                                                                                            

“So as you go through the day, continue the great work you’re doing, continue that unified, passionate, skilled voice, and continue to support the cause of KYA and young people across our Commonwealth,” Senate Speaker Pro Tem David Givens, R-Greensburg, said.

As part of the day, several people were recognized for their work to help the state’s youth. It included Leondrea Johnson, who works with REFORM Louisville, a group that connects with incarcerated youth and helps them get on the right path once released.

The group’s mission wouldn’t be possible without the passage of House Bill 3 in 2023. Among other things, it allows organizations like REFORM Louisville to enter Kentucky’s juvenile justice facilities.

“Some of the students that I work with at my job, they’re here to support me, too, and they didn’t even know. I just feel the love and I support them to do exactly what I’m doing,” Johnson said.

That addition to HB 3 happened shortly after Johnson had a conversation with State Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Fruit Hill. After hearing about the group’s mission, he was on board.

“From seeing me to getting the idea to talking to Senator (Danny) Carrol and getting it passed. It took about a week, we,ek and a half,” Westerfield said. “Now not every legislative victory is that fast, but she didn’t know that she could do that. You have that potential today.”

Westerfield was also recognized for his work as a legislator, receiving the Kentucky Youth Advocates Frank Harshaw Thermostat Award.

“I didn’t expect it to be changed in like a week and a half, that was new information to me, but that was really exciting to hear, and for him to appreciate what we did, he wanted to continue (it), like I love it,” Johnson said.

Westerfield’s message to the 250 plus kids in attendance, take what Johnson did as an example that your voice can make a difference too.

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