08/11/2026
Thank you to Rep. Wade Williams for being a champion for children!
Rep. Williams recognized as 2026 Champion for Children
Frankfort, Kentucky (August 7, 2026) - Representative Wade Williams has been recognized by the Children's Alliance as a recipient of its 2026 Champion for Children Award, honoring his leadership and commitment to improving the lives of Kentucky's most vulnerable children and families.
The Children's Alliance is a statewide association representing 42 private agencies that provide foster care and behavioral health services to at-risk children and families and selected Williams for his work during the 2026 Legislative Session to secure an independent living recoupment in the state budget for two Children's Alliance member organizations. The funding provides relief to providers impacted by prior clawbacks and helps sustain critical services for youth transitioning into adulthood.
"Representative Williams has never been afraid to stand up for Kentucky's most vulnerable children," said Speaker David Osborne. "He is an outspoken advocate and a tireless fighter for young people who too often don't have a voice of their own. His work to protect services that help foster youth successfully transition into adulthood reflects both his compassion and his determination to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed. This recognition is well deserved."
Williams said he is honored to receive the recognition and remains committed to supporting children and families across the Commonwealth.
"Our responsibility is to make sure Kentucky's children have the support and opportunities they need to build successful futures," Williams said. "I'm grateful to the Children's Alliance for this recognition, and I look forward to continuing to work with providers, families, and my colleagues to strengthen the services that make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable children."
"Leaders like Rep. Williams have demonstrated a lasting commitment to improving the lives of Kentucky's most vulnerable children," said Michelle Sanborn, president of the Children's Alliance. "Their work reflects a deep understanding of the challenges facing our system of care, and a dedication to discovering lasting solutions for our children and families."
βThis award is particularly meaningful to me because of the tremendous work done by the Children's Alliance and its members,β Williams added. βThis organization has served Kentucky for 65 years, representing private child and family services agencies that provide services to at-risk, abused, neglected, and abandoned children and their families throughout the Commonwealth.