Dear Lord be good to me. The sea is so wide and my boat is so small

The Children's Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind^® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. Full Mission Statement »

CDF's President talks about growing up in the Jim Crow South, her hatred for injustice everywhere, and the urgent need for America to get serious about caring for its youth. Watch the interview »
The Barrett girls, Anjerrica, 15, Daryanna, 10, and Jaeda, 7, would go hungry without food stamps, free school lunches, and a local food pantry. Read their story »
For many young children full-day kindergarten is a missing half step in the early learning continuum. Learn more »
With your help, we will work tirelessly to ensure all children a better 2012 and that we move forward—not backwards—as a country in caring for our young. Make your tax-deductible contribution today »

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Read the latest column from CDF president Marian Wright Edelman. More »

What elected officials need to focus on to ensure the future of every child. More »

How many babies are born into poverty each day?

Incorrect

2,573 babies are born into poverty each day in America

More facts...

Creating Change: National Conference

SAVE THE DATE: The Children’s Defense Fund National Conference,
July 23-25, 2012, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Today, 16.4 million children in the United States live in poverty. Nearly one in four children under the age of five is poor. Together we can and must do better. Join the Children’s Defense Fund as we gather leading experts to present the latest research and best practices to close the gap between what we know works for children and what we do in practice. This one-of-a-kind conference will connect communities of child advocates, young leaders, faith leaders, policymakers, service providers and others to create real change for children at the state, local, and federal levels in 2012 and beyond. Sign-up today to receive information and help us rescue the dream for all of America’s children. Stay connected »

CDF News

The Best States to Grow Up In
January 23, 2012, The New York Times

Preventing the "Cradle to Prison Pipeline"
January 21, 2012, WLBT 3 Jackson, Miss.

Report: Young adults making gains under health-care law
January 17, 2012, The Washington Post

Maria Hinojosa: One-on-One with Marian Wright Edelman
January 14, 2012, American Public Television – WGBH Boston

Celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
January 13, 2012, The Washington Post

About CDF

Learn more about CDF, our history and our Leave No Child Behind® mission.

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CDF Freedom Schools® Are Stepping Up

CDF Freedom Schools scholars and servant leaders at the Greenwood Cultural Center in Tulsa produced this video to let the world know why they are stepping up for children!
CDF Freedom Schools in the news »