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Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky Launches Upstream Academy; looking for Applicants in Lee & Surrounding Counties to Join
PCAK is still seeking individuals to apply from Breathitt, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, and Wolfe counties!
Individuals interested in participating can apply at pcaky.org.
– In a bold move to strengthen child protection efforts
across Kentucky, Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (PCAK) launched its Upstream Academy
today, a groundbreaking statewide initiative designed to equip community members with the
knowledge and skills necessary to prevent child abuse before it happens.
The Upstream Academy program, which is actively seeking applicants, is set to train at least one
representative from every county, ensuring that every corner of the state is equipped to foster
safer environments for children. Participants will also receive stipends to help cover the costs of
attending the training, which focuses on evidence-based prevention strategies and community-
driven solutions.
"With the support of our legislative and executive partners, we’re building a network of
informed, proactive individuals who will make a real difference in their communities," said Jill
Seyfred, Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky. “By providing free, accessible
training to individuals across the state, PCAK aims to create a ripple effect of positive change—
empowering communities, educating parents and caregivers, and ultimately reducing the
incidence of abuse and neglect in the Commonwealth.”
Governor Andy Beshear, along with Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, joined PCAK for the
launch of the academy today.
"We know that preventing child abuse takes all of us working together, and that’s exactly what
the Upstream Academy is going to do -- bringing people from every county together to learn
how to best stop child abuse,” said Gov. Beshear.
Lt. Governor Coleman highlighted the transformative impact this academy will have on those
who support Kentucky’s children and families every day.
“Upstream Academy represents the foundation we need to build a more prosperous Kentucky for
our kids,” said Lt. Governor Coleman. “As a former classroom teacher who worked with
thousands of students, I understand the profound difference this program will make for our
children, families, and communities.”
The initiative is being supported through funding secured by Kentucky House Speaker David
Osborne, who has been a champion for child welfare in the state.
“I appreciate the work of Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky and share the organization’s
commitment to protect our most vulnerable while building stronger families. As a state with
many needs and limited resources, we view each dollar we budget as an investment with a keen
eye on the return. I look forward to seeing the return on the funding we provided to PCAK for
the Upstream Academy. The concept is proven, we know we can change the trajectory of entire
families by providing early access to resources, education, and tools.”
The Upstream Academy program is grounded in evidence-based practices, drawing on decades
of research into the most effective ways to prevent child abuse. The training will focus on
teaching participants how to build sustainable, community-driven efforts to address the root
causes of abuse and support at-risk families before crisis situations arise.
The launch of Upstream Academy represents a significant milestone in the fight against child
abuse in Kentucky. Individuals interested in participating can apply by visiting pcaky.org. The
application deadline closes April 11, 2025.
About Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky:
Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (PCAK) is the Commonwealth’s leading nonprofit organization
dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Through education, advocacy, and
community partnerships, PCAK works to promote the safety, health, and well-being of all
Kentucky children. Since its founding in 1987, PCAK has provided resources, training, and
support to families, professionals, and communities to help ensure that every child in Kentucky
has the opportunity to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment. For more information, visit
www.pcaky.org.
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