Senator Ridley awarded for work to prevent child abuse

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Senator Dorsey Ridley, a Providence native who now represents Caldwell, Crittenden, Henderson, Livingston, Union, and Webster Counties in Kentucky’s General Assembly, was presented with an award for his outstanding work during the 17th annual Kids Are Worth It! Conference on September 10th.

Ridley was recipient of the inaugural Legislative Champions award presented by Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (PCAK).  Ridley was instrumental in the passage of House Bill 290 during the 2013 Kentucky General Assembly.  The legislation, which was signed into law by Governor Beshear earlier this year, established the Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Panel.  

The achievement of Senator Ridley was recognized on Tuesday, September 10th at the Lexington Convention Center, with over 600 child advocates in attendance.

“I am honored to receive this award from such an outstanding organization,” Senator Ridley said.  “But this work is not about awards, it is about protecting Kentucky’s children.  Doing what is best for the children of the Commonwealth is a priority I share with Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky.  I am always happy to do what I can to make sure the bills we pass in Frankfort are in the best interest of our children.” 

PCAK is the Commonwealth’s only statewide child abuse prevention organization.  

PCAK has a number of programs and services aimed at reducing and preventing child abuse and neglect throughout the Commonwealth.    

“As Kentucky’s only statewide child abuse prevention organization, with a strong local partner in the Union County: We Educate to End Child Abuse (UC WEECAN) Coalition, Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky was pleased to work with Senator Ridley during the 2013 General Assembly.  Senator Ridley’s support of HB 290, and his willingness to listen to his constituents who came to him seeking his support, was instrumental in our decision to present Senator Ridley with our inaugural Legislative Champions Award,” said Jill Seyfred, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky.

Ridley, who has represented Kentucky’s 4th District since 2004, only learned in late August that his district would be remaining intact. A previous redistricting plan which was thrown out by the courts, had his district being moved to downtown Lexington.