Children’s Defense Fund builds community so young people grow up with dignity, hope, and joy.
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We envision a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive.
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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.
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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).
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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
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CDF-MN to Hold Virtual Press Conference Centering Children Amid ICE Enforcement, Gun Violence, Dangerous Funding Cuts for Families
Youth advocates and local faith leaders will discuss attacks on childhood and call on federal, state lawmakers to fight cuts and federal law enforcement surge as we seek to create a Minnesota where all children thrive.…
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CDF: White House Must End Federal Militarized Immigration Enforcement in U.S. Communities, Citing Harm to Nation’s Children
On Friday, CDF President & CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson spoke out against the Trump administration’s use of force in immigration enforcement at a press conference outside the White House in Washington, D.C.…
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Trump Administration Policy Proposal Means Chaos, Bias for Mixed-Status Families, CDF Warns
CDF submitted several comments to the federal government cautioning the proposal would deter families from accessing healthcare and nutrition assistance while exposing millions of children in immigrant families to arbitrary green card denials.…
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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.
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Sign up to receive the weekly column by Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson.
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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.
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