New York outlawed arresting children under 12, but now some law enforcement are targeting their mothers. #CDFNewYork's José Perez spoke with The Imprint to challenge this punitive mindset and urge a shift toward providing young people more support. Read more here: https://bit.ly/4t9u4dD

Ohio's Kids in School Rule! program is changing the game for students in foster care. Join #CDFOhio and partners this Friday for the next Fostering Potential lecture to see how we are supporting Ohio's youth. Don't miss it! Register here: https://bit.ly/3ProIvE

Gun violence continues to take a toll on communities across the nation. A new report from #CDFOhio sheds light on the psychological impact on children in Ohio and the economic burden on our communities. Read the report to explore the data and the urgent need for change: https//bit.ly/4dFgYAb

The #CDFNewYork team wants you to help them tear down the barriers for children and young people! If you live in New York, tell your elected officials to dedicate $50 million to the Youth Justice Innovation Fund using this tool: bit.ly/YouthJusticeTakeAction

Is your family getting the most out of the Child Tax Credit? Join the ABC Coalition Parent Advisory Board on TOMORROW for a virtual workshop. We’re breaking down recent CTC changes, how to maximize your benefits, and how your story can shape future policy. Register here: https://bit.ly/4rFmJkA

Ohio's HB 649 would require children in publicly funded child care to undergo daily facial recognition or photography at check-in. The #CDFOhio team believes families should not have to accept daily surveillance of their children to access care. Read more on what's at stake: https://bit.ly/41cyPHd

In NYC, more than half of all children have at least one immigrant parent. #CDFNewYork’s Juan Diaz recently testified before the NYC Council to urge increased financial support for these families, ensuring every child has the resources to thrive. Watch his testimony: https://bit.ly/4bmQlyw

A guaranteed basic income is path to child well-being. Read #CDFMinnesota Outreach Coordinator Natletha Sumo Kollie’s perspective on the MN Financial Opportunity Coalition's Substack to learn how direct, flexible support helps young families thrive: https://mnfinancialopportunity.substack.com/

We have the power to end family detention in America! Read this insightful op-ed in the @texasobserver.org by #CDFTexas' Trudy Taylor Smith, Esq. on why we must ensure ALL children in America grow up with dignity, hope, and joy: https://bit.ly/4dvy4Aq

Is your family getting the most out of the Child Tax Credit? Join the ABC Coalition Parent Advisory Board on Tuesday for a virtual workshop as we break down recent CTC changes, how to maximize your benefits this tax season, and how your story can shape future policy. Register: https://bit.ly/4rFmJkA

New York state must commit itself to building futures, not cages. In an op-ed for the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, #CDFNewYork's Jose Perez shares how the state that once jailed him as a teen must now fully fund Raise the Age to better support its young people. Read: https://bit.ly/3NeceXE

Every young person deserves a future defined by dreams, not walls. #CDFNY is proud to stand with the Are You Listening NY coalition to end youth congregate placement in the state. Watch youth advocate Danyil share his vision for a better New York. Learn more: https://www.areyoulisteningny.org/

Minnesota’s childcare centers should be safe havens for all children. #CDFMinnesota’s Alexandra Fitzsimmons recently testified to lawmakers on the need to keep immigration officials out of these spaces to protect child well-being. Watch her full testimony: https://youtu.be/lKdf7xzLpQM

CDF is encouraged that a judge temporarily blocked federal health officials from cutting the number of vaccines recommended for every child in America. We must listen to and protect our young people, not jeopardize their well-being. Read more on this victory: https://bit.ly/4sePxBT

#BlackStudentLeadershipNetwork Ambassadors Lahmi Simmons and JerMeny Israel are turning advocacy into action. From advocating for education funding to promoting voter awareness, these young leaders are driving real change on their campuses. Read about their impact: https://bit.ly/47Q6Xwf

#CDFNewYork’s Juan Diaz & Sabah Merchant recently joined the NY Can End Child Poverty Coalition advocacy day in Albany! Our New York coalition is fighting to: - Boost SNAP & nutrition support - Increase cash assistance for families - Launch universal statewide child care

A proposal in Washington to change "public charge" could devastate immigrant families across America. #CDFTexas' Trudy Taylor Smith, Esq. breaks down the high stakes and why we must stop this effort in an op-ed for @elpasomatters. Read more: https://bit.ly/4rpvq2m

CDF's efforts to ensure dignity, hope, and joy for all children in America is known across the world! Recently, the #CDFOhio team met with TD Keira Keogh of Ireland’s Parliament to discuss child advocacy efforts here and abroad to develop solutions to the issues facing all children.

Big news for New York youth! #CDFNY and The Raise the Age coalition applaud state lawmakers for advancing funding support for the Youth Justice Innovation Fund. More money must go to community-based orgs that help our youth thrive! Read the coalition's full statement here: https://bit.ly/40m4nu1

"My advocacy drives me to do everything I do" | We want to recognize #CDFOhio Samuel Halperin Youth Public Service Awardee Jordan Deaton who was recognized at the White House last month for his advocacy as a former foster youth. Read about his journey in the Dayton Daily News: https://bit.ly/4loyAlz

#CDFCA's Radical Imagination Fellows Clarissa Pena & Florencia Valenzuela recently helped shape Los Angeles County's 2025 Youth Commission report. Top concerns for local youth? Mental health, education, and the economy. Read their insights and the full report here: https://bit.ly/47nkGdO

Tell Ohio Senators: Pass the Joshua Alert! #CDFOhio’s Brianna Booker recently testified to Ohio lawmakers about HB 359, a proposal to create a statewide system to protect missing children with autism or disabilities. Watch her testimony here: https://bit.ly/4svRObi

The Season 2 finale of Young People Lead is out! In this episode, #CDFCA's Radical Imagination Fellows discuss how to better support youth aging out of foster care and how to close major gaps in housing, education, and mental health. Listen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube: https://youtu.be/xcYLwIxhKMU

Last weekend, #CDFTexas’ Trudy Taylor Smith, Esq. marched with Pastor Dianne Garcia and other advocates to a San Antonio immigration courthouse in protest of the child and family detention in nearby Dilley, Texas. She joined calls for their immediate release and freedom: https://bit.ly/4lgUgjP

For #internationalwomensday, we're celebrating the contributions of CDF legends - our founder and president emerita, longtime policy director, and Southern Regional Office director. Learn about their dedication to children that continues to shape and inspire generations: https://bit.ly/4aZ5gyM

Stay informed about the issues shaping the lives of children and young people nationwide. Connect with us across our platforms for the latest policy news, ways to take action, and powerful stories that inspire meaningful change.

Last year, we co-authored a child advocacy amicus brief that helped free a detained immigrant teen in New York. Now, we’re sharing a template based on that success to help others fight for the release of children in detention. Download and adapt this resource to support youth: https://bit.ly/3MTaeUw

This #TBT, we recognize Michelle Obama for her tireless advocacy. In 2020, #CDFFreedomSchools partnered with her initiative When We All Vote to highlight the importance of voting during our National Day of Social Action. We remain inspired by her commitment to empowering the next generation.

Join parents on March 24 for a conversation on the Child Tax Credit with the Parent Advisory Board of the Automatic Benefit for Children Coalition. Learn how it can support your family, what’s new in 2026, and how sharing your story can shape family-friendly policies: https://bit.ly/4ucAry3

Read this piece by Dr. Javian Baker in The Grio on CDF Founder and President Emerita Marian Wright Edelman. Her lifelong advocacy teaches us to carry the legacy forward and serve as a witness for children to break the cycle of poverty. Read more: https://on.thegrio.com/4u5RiCs

Tell Ohio Senators: Support the Joshua Alert! HB 359 would create a statewide emergency system to protect missing children with autism or developmental disabilities. Help us honor Joshua Al-Lateef Jr.’s legacy and provide a lifeline for families. Take action: https://bit.ly/4cqy9Fa

Episode 5 of Season 2 of Young People Lead is out now! #CDFCA’s Radical Imagination Fellows talk with Justice Alchemist and author Dr. Charity Chandler-Cole who shares her journey from system-involved youth to transformative leader. Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube: https://bit.ly/46AfqmN

Read this powerful op-ed by #CDFNY’s José Pérez in The Imprint. He explores the reality many former foster youth who are now parents face as they carry the weight of two childhoods, the one they lived and the one they’re trying to create for their child. Read more: https://bit.ly/3N11OKB

Happy Women’s History Month! This month, we honor the strong, fearless women who champion the rights and well being of children and young people across America. From communities nationwide to the dedicated leaders at CDF, we celebrate their impact, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to youth.

We want to recognize our Leadership and Advocacy Collective member, Dr. Artika Tyner, for her work as an author, community leader, and advocate. @KARE11 in Minneapolis recently featured a segment highlighting some of the children’s books she has written. Watch here: https://bit.ly/3OD9NOA

Last night, @RevDrStarsky joined faith leaders, elected officials, and KBLA TALK 1580 to honor civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson in Los Angeles. Watch his reflection on Jackson’s decades of leadership advancing justice and well-being here: https://bit.ly/476buKF

“Horror on a shocking scale” | #CDFTexas Trudy Taylor Smith recently spoke with The Guardian as to why the U.S. must end the cruel practice of family detention happening nationwide. All children deserve to grow up with dignity, hope and joy! Read more: https://bit.ly/4rRBJwE

“I am proof the social safety net supports youth.” | America must defend and strengthen the supports that help its children and families thrive. In The Imprint, CDF’s Destiny Drake West shares why protecting supports for youth is urgent and personal. Read more: https://bit.ly/4l9mI71

Our #CDFCA team held a Celebration of Joy last night in Los Angeles as they celebrated the voices, creativity, and visions of children and young people. We want to thank our team, Samuel Halperin Youth Public Service Awardee, and Advocate for Joy honorees for the amazing night!

"Do your first works over" | @RevDrStarsky recently spoke to the congregation at Quinn Chapel AME Church in Chicago for a special day of worship. Watch the full video of what he had to say here: https://bit.ly/4qUlUUN

Episode 4 of Season 2 of Young People Lead is out now! #CDFCA Radical Imagination Fellows talk with Melissa Milchman (Coalition for Juvenile Justice) on how system involvement disrupts the development of foster and transition-age youth. Listen on Spotify, Apple & YouTube: https://bit.ly/4b46Hfb

Well…that was a bust. Did you BINGO? #sotuforchildren Last night’s speech DID NOT move us any closer to viable solutions #forourchildren. In the words of @revdrstarsky, “Our children deserve a nation that prioritizes their well-being…The State of America’s Children is precarious.”

Did you catch it? Earlier today, CDF’s Brittany Packnett Cunningham joined Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley to share their thoughts ahead of tonight’s State of the Union Address. Watch their full conversation here: https://bit.ly/4s8QjzE

#StateoftheUnion is tonight! We’ll be watching to see what the president says about issues affecting children and families. Follow along with our BINGO card and mark off anything that's mentioned: https://bit.ly/47aHkpB #SOTUforChildren

#StateoftheUnion is tonight, but, as Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson writes, the state of our children is precarious. Read his reflection on how policy choices are leaving many youth without the support they need. Then follow the President's remarks tonight using our BINGO card: https://bit.ly/3OxQd6i

This #BlackHistoryMonth, we honor the Black young people who shaped American history, including members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), who stepped into civil rights leadership and pushed our nation toward justice and transformative change. Thank you!

The State of the Union is Tuesday night! What do you expect the President will say about child well-being in America? Grab our #CDFBingo sheet and play along as we track what’s said and what’s not! More: https://bit.ly/4rwXm5k

Keep up with the latest news affecting children and youth across the country. Follow us on all our channels for policy updates, opportunities to get involved, and inspiring stories that drive change!

Our #CDFNewYork team recently advocated for youth justice, child well-being, and immigrant rights at the 55th NY State Association of Black Puerto Rican Hispanic and Asian Legislators Caucus Weekend. Among other things, they discussed the urgent need to pass #NY4ALL. Great work!

Read this piece in The Nation by Sam Theoharis and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, one of our #HallProctor2026 Great Preachers. They spotlight young organizers leading during this precarious time and highlight Alex Haley Farm's role in movement building. Read: https://bit.ly/4aTZqOQ