Trump Executive Orders Are Endangering Youth in Child Welfare System
KYLP lost $70K because we were trying to help LGBTQ+ youth. Can you help make up the difference?
Federal Restrictions Block Grant to Protect LGBTQIA+ Youth in Kentucky
The Kentucky Youth Law Project, Inc. (KYLP) announced today that its top-ranked proposal to the Children's Justice Act (CJA) Task Force has been denied funding—not because of merit, but due to sweeping federal restrictions imposed by President Trump's recent Executive Orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and so-called "gender ideology" in federally funded programs.
The proposal, Advancing Safety and Justice for Kentucky's Most Vulnerable Youth, was the CJA Task Force's highest-rated project this cycle. Task Force members expressed regret in their letter of denial, stating that federal funding restrictions left them no choice but to reject the proposal. "[We] recognize the great importance and need, and are also deeply invested in these issues," wrote a representative of the CJA Task Force. "Much to our heartbreak, we are unable to fund your proposal due to federal compliance and conflict of interest."
“This isn’t a case of limited funds or weak ideas,” said John B. Martin, Chair of KYLP’s Board of Directors. “The Task Force supported our project—but their hands were tied. The federal government is prioritizing political theater over the protection of vulnerable children. It’s disgraceful.”
The project aimed to gather much-needed data on the experiences of LGBTQIA+ youth in Kentucky's child welfare and juvenile justice systems and provide trauma-informed training to the professionals responsible for their care. Research consistently shows that LGBTQIA+ youth are overrepresented in state systems and face disproportionate rates of abuse, homelessness, and suicide.
“This is a public health and human rights issue,” said Dr. Laura E. Kaplan, KYLP Board Member and the project’s Principal Investigator. “The denial of funding doesn’t negate the need. LGBTQIA+ youth in Kentucky are still suffering, and we are still determined to protect them—with or without federal support.”
A Call to Action
In response, KYLP is launching its Protecting Kentucky's Vulnerable Youth Campaign to secure private and corporate support for the same initiative.
“We will not let this setback stall our work,” said Keith D Elston, Legal Director of KYLP. “If our government won’t fund the safety of LGBTQIA+ youth, then we’ll ask our community to step up. These young people deserve care that is culturally competent, affirming, and just.”
Community members are invited to share this announcement, amplify the issue, and contribute to KYLP's campaign to protect Kentucky's most vulnerable youth by clicking the button below. Donations will fund vital research, training, and policy advocacy designed to fill a gaping hole in Kentucky's current child welfare and juvenile systems.
About KYLP
The Kentucky Youth Law Project, Inc. is a nonprofit legal advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the rights of LGBTQIA+ youth across the Commonwealth. KYLP provides free legal services, promotes policy reform, and offers professional training to improve outcomes for system-involved youth.