Serving Kentucky’s Families and Children
By Senator Robin Webb
As your state senator, one of my most important responsibilities is to advocate for the wellbeing of Kentucky families—especially our children. This past week, I participated in a meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children; where we heard from state leaders and advocates working to improve the systems that support vulnerable children and their families.
One of the central topics was the CHILD Waiver—short for Community Health for Improved Lives and Development. This proposed Medicaid waiver aims to provide wraparound services for children with complex behavioral health needs and help families avoid out-of-home placement. We heard testimony from officials at the Department for Medicaid Services the Department for Behavioral Health, and the Department for Community Based Services, as well as from frontline providers and a courageous parent advocate. These voices made it clear: Kentucky must invest in services that meet children where they are—before their needs escalate into crises.
We also received an update on efforts to strengthen child care oversight. The Office of the Inspector General and Division of Regulated Child Care discussed licensing standards, safety inspections, and the ongoing challenges providers face. As we heard, quality child care isn’t just about early learning—it’s about safety, stability, and giving parents the confidence to go to work knowing their children are cared for.
Finally, the committee reviewed two critical federal block grants—the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant and the Maternal and Child Health Title V Block Grant. These resources support a range of services, from immunizations and developmental screenings to maternal health programs across Kentucky. Ensuring that these funds are used effectively and transparently is a priority as we continue to improve public health outcomes statewide.
Closer to home, I’m also glad to report that Greenup County was awarded $39,680 in emergency road funding to support slide repairs on Hoods Run Road. These dollars are critical for making sure our rural infrastructure remains safe and passable, especially after heavy rains and weather-related damage. I’ll continue advocating for similar investments across our region.
Last weekend, I had the chance to appear on Red, White and Bluegrass on Fox 56 in Lexington, where we discussed the three-year anniversary of the eastern Kentucky floods. I shared some of the progress we’ve made in recovery and resilience efforts—both in rebuilding homes and in improving our long-term disaster response strategies. There is still work to do, but I’m proud of how far our communities have come and grateful for all the Kentuckians who’ve stepped up to help.
I’ll continue listening, asking questions, and working with stakeholders to strengthen Kentucky’s safety net for children and families. As always, thank you for the honor of serving you in the Kentucky Senate.
###
Sen. Robin Webb, R-Grayson, represents the 18th Senate District, which includes Boyd, Carter, Greenup, and Lewis Counties. She serves as co-chair of the Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force. She is a member of the Interim Joint Committees on Agriculture, Appropriations and Revenue, Families and Children, and Natural Resources and Energy. Webb is a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary. Additionally, she serves on several statutory committees, including 2026-2028 Budget Preparation and Submission, Capital Projects and Bond Oversight, Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight, and as a non-voting ex officio member of the Juvenile Justice Oversight Council.
For a high-resolution JPEG file of Webb, please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators Full Res Images/senate118.jpg
Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for more information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the 2025 Legislative Session, including committees, membership, legislation, and more.
Live legislative coverage is available at KET.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel.
Access archived footage of legislative meetings at ket.org/legislature/archives.