ABOUT FPAA
Kentucky has one of the highest rates in the nation of children who have experienced the incarceration of a parent. At the same time, our state continues to rely heavily on incarceration for low-level, nonviolent offenses, even when safer, more effective, and more cost-efficient alternatives are available.
This bipartisan legislation gives judges the discretion to consider community-based sentencing alternatives for primary caregivers convicted of nonviolent offenses. These options maintain accountability while prioritizing treatment, supervision, and family stability rather than defaulting to jail or prison.
The results are clear and well-documented: fewer families torn apart, lower rates of reoffending, and smarter use of public dollars. Community-based alternatives cost significantly less than incarceration and are more effective at promoting long-term public safety and recovery.
WHY IT MATTERS
While it’s true, the progress of this bill is the result of tireless efforts of our advocacy team, coalition members, and volunteers, it’s Brittany Herrington and her son Gavin whose lived experiences are driving the real impacts this bill could have on Kentucky Families. They’re sharing those experiences and talking candidly about their time in Frankfort.
Passing the Family Preservation and Accountability Act means choosing policies that reduce childhood trauma, strengthen families, and invest in solutions proven to work. It means recognizing a simple truth: Kentucky children should not serve their parents’ sentences, and Kentucky taxpayers deserve policies that deliver real results.
The bill, Senate Bill 122, will now head to the floor of the Senate, and we need all hands on deck to reach out to Senators.
Click here to email your support to your Senator.
The Family Preservation and Accountability Act was filed in the Senate by Senator Julie Raque Adams (SB 122), and its companion in the House (HB 464) was filed by Representative Nick Wilson.