Harlan Chamber Focuses on Child Abuse Prevention

New statewide initiative aims to bring education directly into Kentucky counties

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Harlan County Chamber of Commerce hosted a presentation on a new statewide child abuse prevention program called Upstream Academy, which is being implemented by Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky. The program places advocates in each county to educate communities on proactive strategies to prevent child abuse and neglect before crises occur. Chamber members were told that addressing the root causes of abuse and providing support to families is key to keeping children safe.

Why it matters

As a community organization focused on economic and workforce development, the chamber recognized that child abuse prevention is directly tied to the long-term health and stability of the local community. Protecting children and supporting families lays the groundwork for a stronger future workforce and business environment.

The details

Upstream Academy advocate Leslie Adkins-Howard told chamber members that the program aims to equip community members with knowledge and tools to prevent child abuse and neglect before it happens. Rather than just responding to abuse after the fact, Upstream focuses on addressing the underlying causes and providing support to families. Adkins-Howard encouraged open communication about suspected abuse and said every sector of the community has a role to play in protecting children.

  • The Harlan County Chamber of Commerce meeting took place on February 11, 2026.
  • The chamber announced plans to hold multiple candidate forums in the spring and fall of 2026.

The players

Leslie Adkins-Howard

Director of Resources at the Boys & Girls Club of Appalachia and the Upstream Academy advocate for Harlan County.

Brandon Pennington

President of the Harlan County Chamber of Commerce.

Gail Hensley

Event chairwoman for the Harlan County Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala.

Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (PCAK)

The agency that started the Upstream Academy program to bring child abuse prevention education to communities across Kentucky.

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What they’re saying

“Our children – our future – and our families are also a part of our responsibility as a community. Not just ensuring their safety, but ensuring that they're supported. I'm not saying don't report child abuse or neglect. That is very, very necessary, but also know that there are some situations that people just need support. They just need a little help, and normalizing support and normalizing asking for help and just being a community supporter goes a long way.”

— Leslie Adkins-Howard, Director of Resources, Boys & Girls Club of Appalachia (Harlan Enterprise)

“If anyone suspects anything affecting a child's well-being, ask for help. If you see something, say something. If you do know that there is an abusive situation, and there are plenty of those out there, there are 1-800 numbers and there is a way to report on the ky.gov website.”

— Leslie Adkins-Howard, Director of Resources, Boys & Girls Club of Appalachia (Harlan Enterprise)

What’s next

The Harlan County Chamber of Commerce plans to hold multiple candidate forums in the spring and fall of 2026 to allow each office on the ballot to receive the time and attention it deserves.

The takeaway

By addressing the root causes of child abuse and neglect and providing support to families before crises occur, the Upstream Academy program aims to create a stronger, safer community that can better support children and families. The Harlan County Chamber of Commerce recognized that this type of proactive, prevention-focused approach aligns with its mission to foster long-term economic and community development.