Reform Kentucky adoption laws to protect our children
The Issue
In 2015, my four children were placed in Kentucky's foster care system and ended up with my biological father and his new family. Shockingly, he was the same man I had a domestic violence charge against, a case that was dismissed unfairly due to lack of legal representation. Despite his history of abuse towards my mother and the fact that he and his family lied under oath—which was later proven in another case but never led to charges—the judge decided to place my children in his care. This decision has not only put my children at risk but highlights a glaring flaw in Kentucky's adoption and child placement laws.
Current Kentucky legislation allows individuals with expunged or sealed violent charges to qualify as adoptive or foster parents. This loophole enables abusers to gain custody, especially if they are family relatives—a common placement preference. We need a comprehensive reform of these laws to better protect our vulnerable children from cycle of abuse.
Let's mandate thorough background checks that do not overlook expunged or sealed records relating to violent offenses. Family relation should not be the justification for placing children in potentially harmful environments. Additionally, parents who have had their rights terminated deserve a structured plan that supports their recovery and readiness for reunification with their children. A fair and clear path towards regaining custody will encourage positive change and decrease the likelihood of children being placed in unsuitable homes.
Statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reveal that children in foster care are significantly more prone to re-abuse when placed in environments without proper scrutiny. More than 30% of children re-enter foster care within three years due to inadequate placements that do not prioritize the child's safety and welfare.
The time to act is now. We must push for legislation that protects our children and gives parents a fair second chance. Please sign this petition to urge Kentucky legislators to reform the adoption laws critically needed to ensure the best interests of our children.
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The Issue
In 2015, my four children were placed in Kentucky's foster care system and ended up with my biological father and his new family. Shockingly, he was the same man I had a domestic violence charge against, a case that was dismissed unfairly due to lack of legal representation. Despite his history of abuse towards my mother and the fact that he and his family lied under oath—which was later proven in another case but never led to charges—the judge decided to place my children in his care. This decision has not only put my children at risk but highlights a glaring flaw in Kentucky's adoption and child placement laws.
Current Kentucky legislation allows individuals with expunged or sealed violent charges to qualify as adoptive or foster parents. This loophole enables abusers to gain custody, especially if they are family relatives—a common placement preference. We need a comprehensive reform of these laws to better protect our vulnerable children from cycle of abuse.
Let's mandate thorough background checks that do not overlook expunged or sealed records relating to violent offenses. Family relation should not be the justification for placing children in potentially harmful environments. Additionally, parents who have had their rights terminated deserve a structured plan that supports their recovery and readiness for reunification with their children. A fair and clear path towards regaining custody will encourage positive change and decrease the likelihood of children being placed in unsuitable homes.
Statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reveal that children in foster care are significantly more prone to re-abuse when placed in environments without proper scrutiny. More than 30% of children re-enter foster care within three years due to inadequate placements that do not prioritize the child's safety and welfare.
The time to act is now. We must push for legislation that protects our children and gives parents a fair second chance. Please sign this petition to urge Kentucky legislators to reform the adoption laws critically needed to ensure the best interests of our children.
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Petition created on September 25, 2025