Education
In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Summer Project, the CDF Freedom Schools Program has launched the ‘60 for 60 Read Aloud Campaign.’
Washington, DC — The national youth advocacy organization Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) has filed an Amicus Curiae brief in support of a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Texas Senate Bill 12.
Following a nationwide search, Kathleen M. Flynn has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Children’s Defense Fund. She will support Children’s Defense Fund President and Chief Executive Officer Starsky Wilson in the development and coordination of multi-year operational, financial, and human capital plans for the organization.
Child Poverty
Last night, President Biden presented a vision for building a nation where all children can thrive, from crucial interventions to provide children and youth with high-quality early learning experiences to economic and community interventions that create conditions for young people to grow up with dignity, hope, and joy.
Black Empowerment Fest: Roots & Resilience will also feature a Black History talent show and multiple events aimed at improving the mental health of Galveston’s Black residents.
Youth Justice
Children's Defense Fund-California Youth Justice Director Milinda Kakani recently provided a California Senate Subcommittee with testimony on her observations of Los Angeles County's juvenile justice system.
Youth Justice
Los Angeles, CA—On Wednesday, staff from Children’s Defense Fund-California and several other California youth advocacy organizations will provide lawmakers in Sacramento with their observations on the state of California’s juvenile justice system since the passing of Senate Bill 823 and the closure of the Division of Juvenile Justice.
In January, Mississippi leaders announced they would turn down federal funds provided through the United States Department of Agriculture's Summer EBT program to help feed families and children this summer. Children's Defense Fund-Southern Regional Director Oleta Fitzgerald discussed the ramifications of the state's decision with Mississippi Public Broadcasting reporter Michael McEwen. She urged the state's leaders to rethink their decision and apply for the USDA funds in the future. "It's just stunning that our elected officials and policy makers would not make it possible for these families and children to access food during the summer months when they need it most," Fitzgerald said.
Child Poverty
Today, our U.S. Senate has the power - in the form of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 - to prioritize marginalized children, young people, and their families by voting in favor of the expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC).