Children's Defense Fund

Albany’s next criminal justice battle

#CDFNewYork is proud to be part of the Coalition to Protect Raise the Age, a statewide alliance of 225 organizations working to preserve this landmark law that keeps youth out of adult jails. Learn why this matters in POLITICO New York’s NY Playbook: www.politico.com/newsletters/...

The #CDFTexas team joins the Welcome With Dignity Campaign and its partners in condemning policy decisions that scapegoat asylum seekers. Young people deserve a compassionate, legal, and fair process that reflects our nation’s moral and legal obligations: https://bit.ly/4pKryZk

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed a bill that would have extended work hours for 14- and 15-year-olds, allowing them to work later during the school year. #CDFOhio's Brianna Booker spoke out, emphasizing the risks the proposal posed to child well-being. Read: https://bit.ly/4ptQRQ0

It’s #TBT, and this week we are taking you back to... last week! Thank you to the 500+ people who joined the 2025 Georgetown Turkey Trot 5k and 10k, in Washington, D.C., organized by Bishops Events. Part of the proceeds will support our work to advance well-being for all children in America.

Last week, CDF and our state offices joined more than a dozen partners, including UnidosUS, in a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee urging action on the civil rights harms caused by mass deportations impacting families and children. Read more: https://bit.ly/44amK7w

Giving Tuesday is almost over. Now is the moment to support a brighter future for children across the country. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4oj7gVM

Giving Tuesday is here, and your support matters. Join Children’s Defense Fund by making a tax-deductible gift that increases opportunity, expands support, and improves the lives of children nationwide. Every donation drives our work for child well-being. Donate: https://bit.ly/4oj7gVM

This Giving Tuesday, your support helps build Beloved Community for children across the country. Every gift strengthens literacy and leadership development, youth-led advocacy, and programs that protect, uplift, and empower youth. Stand with us. Donate: https://bit.ly/4oj7gVM

Join us this #GivingTuesday in building the Beloved Community all children deserve. Your gift today makes possible that community rooted in empathy, hope, and the leadership of young people and supports programs and policies that protect and equip children nationwide. Donate: https://bit.ly/4oj7gVM

The data is clear: Treating children as adults in the criminal legal system does not reduce crime or violence. We must protect Raise the Age and fight for its full enactment: bit.ly/4rPHlIz

Since the law was enacted in 2018, Raise the Age has helped protect countless young people from the harms of adult jails while promoting lasting public safety. We refuse to go back. NY's leaders must choose facts over fear + reject misinformation: raisetheageny.org

Before the Raise The Age law was passed in 2017, New York had the shameful distinction of being one of only two states in the country to charge all 16 & 17-year-olds in adult criminal court. So today we're joining 180+ orgs in preserving this landmark law: bit.ly/4rPHlIz

TODAY is Giving Tuesday! Stand with Children's Defense Fund by making a tax-deductible donation that helps protect, uplift, and empower children across the nation. Every gift fuels our fight to advance child well-being in America. Donate: https://bit.ly/4oj7gVM

TOMORROW is Giving Tuesday! Make your gift to CDF and help us keep fighting for a future where every child in America can flourish. Give here: https://bit.ly/4oj7gVM

TWO days to go! Join us on Giving Tuesday by making a tax-deductible gift to Children's Defense Fund to help our effort to advance the well-being of all children in America: https://bit.ly/4oj7gVM

Only THREE days until Giving Tuesday! Children need champions every day. Your support fuels our fight to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met with urgency. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4oj7gVM

Giving Tuesday is just FOUR days away! Join us in supporting our work to ensure every child in America grows up with dignity, hope, and joy. Learn how you can give here: https://bit.ly/4oj7gVM

Your support makes it possible for us to advocate for the programs and policies young people deserve. We’re grateful to have you with us as we continue amplifying youth power across the country.

Children's Defense Fund is carrying the fight for equity forward. We rely on the dedication and commitment of the incredible partners who walk this path with us. Thank you for your support and for believing in a nation where marginalized children can flourish and leaders put their well-being first.

As we reflect on the year, we’re thankful to stand with you in Beloved Community, from #CDFHaleyFarm to our #CDFFreedomSchools, as we work to end inequity’s harms and ensure ALL children grow up with dignity, hope, and joy!

One bad decision as a teen shouldn’t cost young Californians decades of opportunities. #CDFCA’s Milinda Kakani warns CapRadio News how a new state law treats youth like adults and expands surveillance instead of addressing root causes. Read more: https://bit.ly/4iisBxfx

In this season of reflection, we are grateful for everyone who stands with us for youth, even through tough times like government shutdowns and budget battles. Your commitment to improving the lives of children makes a real difference and is deeply appreciated.

Unaccompanied minors face new legal and logistical hurdles under the Trump administration. #CDFTexas’ Trudy Taylor Smith, Esq. highlights the impact on youth in this important Reporting Texas story. Read more: https://bit.ly/4p0ZYHz

CDF New York’s Juan Diaz spoke with Public News Service about New York’s Housing Access Voucher pilot program and its potential impact on children in low-income communities. Read what he had to say here: https://bit.ly/4860JI1

This week #CDFTexas joined the Children Thrive Action Network to oppose DHS’s proposal to roll back the 2022 public charge policy, allowing green card denials based on health or use of social services, which would harm children in immigrant families: https://bit.ly/4oXwQ3Y

ICYMI: CDF VP & Chief Strategy Officer Brittany Packnett Cunningham joined Tavis Smiley on KBLA TALK 1580 to discuss how we’re advancing child well-being in America. Listen to the full interview here: https://bit.ly/3K9Wymr

#CDFCA, as part of the Education Justice Coalition, developed a report on how LA County can better educate youth in detention. This week, @LACountyBOS directed the county's education office to implement recommendations from their report. Read motion #14: https://bit.ly/4r2FzTO

Families in South Texas are facing delayed benefits, rising health costs, and growing uncertainty. #CDFTexas’ team in the Rio Grande Valley share with the Rio Grande Guardian what they’re seeing on the ground and why support for kids is more critical than ever: https://bit.ly/4oRUBu0

It’s #TBT! In this season of gratitude, leading up to Thanksgiving, we’re reflecting on our National Day of Social Action, when #CDFFreedomSchools scholars stood up to show “Public Education is a Public Good!” Thank you for fighting for all children’s well-being.

Join our #CDFOhio team tomorrow for the kickoff of its Fostering Potential series, a conversation on how Ohio can better support foster youth from kindergarten through graduation. Register to participate in this important conversation from 12 to 1 PM ET: https://bit.ly/3LWSJS10