FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – Attorney General Russell Coleman has recognized April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and is currently seeking applications for grants to raise awareness and promote efforts to prevent the abuse and neglect of Kentucky’s children.

In 2022, the General Assembly created the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board to coordinate the state’s efforts to protect children. The Board also oversees the Child Victims’ Trust Fund, or CVTF, which invests in prevention programming across Kentucky.

Goals of the board include:

–To promote public and professional education on the nature and scope of child abuse and related issues, indicators, laws, roles, and resources.

–To raise awareness that it is adults’ responsibility to provide a safe community for children.

–To reduce the incidence and impact of child abuse by promoting, supporting and/or funding effective programs.

–To establish procedures to generate and oversee the effective and efficient use of CVTF monies.

“Ending child abuse requires increasing awareness about the signs of abuse and the resources available to victim,” Coleman said. “Every one of Kentucky’s children deserves a chance at a happy and healthy childhood and I’m grateful to all those who work towards that common goal for our Commonwealth.”

In his capacity as chair of the 15-member Board, Attorney General Coleman announced that the Board is currently accepting applications for grant funding proposals for conferences and events providing educational and public informational programming regarding the prevention of child sexual abuse and exploitation and child abuse and neglect. Funding requests may range from $1,000 to $5,000 and proposals will be accepted through April 30, 2025.

Proposed conferences and events funded by the grants must occur during Kentucky’s 2026 Fiscal Year, which runs from July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.

Under state law, every adult Kentuckian has a duty to report child abuse. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call the Child Abuse Reporting Hotline at 877-597-2331, click here or contact a local law enforcement agency.

Grant applications and additional information can be found by visiting the Board’s web page.