Children’s Defense Fund builds community so young people grow up with dignity, hope, and joy.
Learn More
We envision a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive.
About Us
We Owe them Peace of Mind
I spent most of the month of May on the road. From community celebrations with our state office and civil rights partners in New York, to stops on the State of the People Tour in Newark, Detroit, and Richmond, to keynotes and commencement addresses in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Baltimore.
Read More
Policy Brief: Expanded Child Tax Credit as a Key Anti-Poverty & Child Welfare Prevention Strategy
Children’s Defense Fund and Chapin Hall are collaborating to advance evidence-based strategies that strengthen child and family well-being. This brief focuses on the promise of making permanent the pandemic-era expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC).
Read More
CDF Haley Farm
Named for author and activist Alex Haley, CDF Haley Farm in Clinton, TN, is a sacred and safe space for facilitating movement-building moments and training opportunities for prioritizing joy, pursuing justice, and promoting rest as resistance. Explore the rich history of Haley Farm and consider hosting your next event there!
Learn MoreRecent News
-
CDF, Four Leading Child Advocacy Groups Urge Court to Release NYC Teen from Immigrant Detention Facility
Advocates challenge prolonged detention as unnecessary and unjust, highlighting its impact on youth.…
-
Immigration
Tell Congress: End Family Detention Now!
As a result of the huge budget cuts Congress made to life-saving programs like Medicaid and SNAP in its budget reconciliation bill this summer, millions of Americans are losing access to healthcare and nutrition assistance. …
-
CDF to Honor Changemakers, Youth Advocates at National Celebration of Joy
The organization will honor three individuals as Advocates for Joy for their outstanding work advancing policies, building power, and strengthening programs that support children and young people across America.…
-
SNAP & the Shutdown: The Real Crisis Isn’t What Families Purchase, It’s That They Can’t Afford to Eat
Statement from Oleta Garrett Fitzgerald, Director of Children’s Defense Fund-Southern Regional Office and Regional administrator of the Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative …
Enroll Your Scholar
Find a CDF Freedom Schools® Site
At CDF Freedom Schools, we’re not just educating. We’re nurturing lifelong learners and advocates for progress. We’re sculpting a brighter tomorrow where we celebrate every young person’s potential, and affirming their impact on the world is profound. Find a CDF Freedom Schools site near you.
Find a Site
Subscribe to “For Our Children”
Sign up to receive the weekly column by Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson.
SubscribeFor Our Children
CDF’s President and CEO, Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, shares insights, challenges, and hopes for the future in “For Our Children.”CDF’s President and CEO, Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, offers a personal perspective on challenges, victories, and the path ahead in “For Our Children.” Delve into a unique narrative that guides our mission, celebrates milestones, and navigates the journey toward a brighter tomorrow. Explore now for an inside connection to our vision—where the story of our commitment to children and youth unfolds.
Read the Latest