Welcome to Kentucky Family Policy

This blog is dedicated to examining issues facing the Commonwealth of Kentucky and providing a nonpartisan, family perspective on public policy making. We hope to provide a forum for Kentuckians to review and discuss current legislative actions and the issues such actions are attempting to address. The opinions expressed herein belong solely to the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Kentucky, its affiliates, or its representatives.

What the authors of this blog will contribute:
1) Summarize current state, national, and international research related to topics relevant to current legilative actions.
2) Describe Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service programs and activities currently addressing issues related to legilative actions in the various counties.
3) Provide expert commentaries via podcasts and videocasts on issues relevant to current legilative actions.

Please see "Priority Bills" section on the right for a short list of the most current legislative actions relevant to the family focus of this blog

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

According to Kentucky Institute on Medicine, substance abuse is a major risk factor in Kentucky. A survey indicated a need for substance abuse intervention and/or treatment programs at the local level. The Powell County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent worked with the court system, drug court coordinator, and FCS Agents in Wolfe and Breathitt Counties. The Powell agent planned and conducted an eight-week series for participants identified by the District Judge. Classes were taught by Agents in their respective counties, and covered life skills. Twenty-three people, ages 18 to 60, were mandated by the court to attend the first half. The second four classes were optional, but 100% returned. Participants expressed increased confidence in their ability to resume a positive family life and obtain employment.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Powell county, please click the link.

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