Just and Caring Communities

Promise 

Our children will play freely in parks, walk safely to bus stops, and
learn in schools as sanctuaries, with neighbors and public servants as
guardians of their well-being.

Problem 

Both community and state-sponsored violence rob children of
peace and play. Guns are the leading cause of death for children and youth in America. Two-thirds of the young people in the juvenile justice system are children of color. Children are negatively impacted by immigration enforcement efforts, as 1 in 4 children in the United States have at least one foreign-born parent.

Policy Path

In this zone, CDF will advocate for public policy related to: (1) Gun safety and restrictions, (2) Public health approaches to public safety, (3) Youth justice reform, and (4) Immigration Reform.

Moonshot Generational Commitment

Eliminate youth jails and detention centers to deliver on CDF’s historic commitment to end the “criminalization of children.

Learn More

Related Updates

  • Education

    Banning Books, Stunting Growth

    Book banning as an idea and action has been around for centuries. It’s a key piece to many parts of history; restricting information from the masses to keep a current group in power, to ensure undesired information is not spread, and new ideas snuffed out.…

  • Education

    Preserving Our Voices in the Fight for Intellectual Freedom

    In today’s rapidly changing world, the freedom to educate ourselves is more important than ever. It shapes our ability to understand, empathize, and connect with the diverse array of human experiences. …

  • Immigration

    New Report Reveals the Scale of State Violence Inflicted on Migrant Children and Families under Operation Lone Star 

    CDF-TX is deeply concerned about the severe and life-threatening mistreatment of migrant children and their families by law enforcement agencies carrying out Operation Lone Star in our state, and about the fact that many of these migrants—who fear persecution, torture, or death in their home countries—are being denied the legal right under U.S. and international law to apply for asylum.  …

  • Child Poverty

    Economic Justice Outreach News

    Since our establishment in 1985, Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota (CDF-MN) has been at the forefront of addressing the unique needs of Minnesota’s children, youth, and families envisioning a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive.…