Four libraries across Kentucky are finding new ways to strengthen families and prevent unnecessary foster care placements through a partnership between the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services, New Allies and Youth Villages.

With $200,000 in grants from New Allies, the consulting and technical assistance initiative of Youth Villages, public libraries in Jackson, Johnson, Marshall and Spencer Counties are piloting prevention programs that meet families where they already spend time.

The project focuses on connection, education and community collaboration to help children to safely remain at home whenever possible.

“These projects focus on family and youth well-being and resilience to increase protective factors and decrease the risk of abuse or neglect,” said Britany Binkowski, director of New Allies. “This gets communities taking an active role and ownership in helping families be safe and stable.”

Meeting families where they are

The pilot grew out of a shared goal of expanding early prevention through low-stigma, high-access community spaces. Libraries offer trusted staff, welcoming environments and a central point of connection to local resources.

Each library is tailoring its program to local needs:

• Johnson County Public Library is launching a Community Navigator program that turns the library into a one-stop hub for families seeking community services.
• Marshall County Public Library created Mom’s Night Out, a weekly series of caregiver and youth sessions designed to build connection, teach practical tools and strengthen family bonds.
• Jackson County Public Library started Roo’s Kindergarten Readiness Crew, providing parents with seven progressive readiness kits and hosting community events focused on early learning.
• Spencer County Public Library is expanding a mobile outreach program that brings story time, youth programming and resources directly to apartment communities twice each month.

A practical approach to prevention

The pilot is testing whether innovative prevention services and resources offered through libraries can reduce the need for foster care or shorten the time to reunification when out-of-home support is required. Activities include connecting families to services, promoting positive parent-child interactions, increasing social connections, sharing safety information, supporting children’s social and emotional learning, and deepening collaboration with community partners.

New Allies and Youth Villages are partnering with DCBS on design and implementation support. Evaluation and learning are built into the pilot to inform future prevention strategies in Kentucky.

For Binkowski, the initiative reflects an important shift toward earlier support that is easier for families to access.

“By meeting families in familiar places and focusing on what strengthens daily life, we can help stabilize households and keep more children safely with their families,” she said.

To learn more about New Allies and this library partnership, visit newallies.org or email info@newallies.org.

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