Family Stability and Economic Mobility
Promise
Every young person will launch from a permanent, nurturing home
of birth, kin, foster, or adoptive family, and fulfill the dream of doing better than their parents.
Problem
Household stability and mobility have been declining for children
and families. Twenty-nine states have more children in foster care today than they did a decade ago. One in every forty-five (45) children enrolled in public schools is unhoused. Ninety percent of children born in 1940 grew up to earn more than their parents. Today, only half of all children grow up to earn more than their parents did.
Policy Path
In this zone, CDF will advocate for public policy related to: (1) Child welfare, (2) Family-supporting wages, (3) Asset-building opportunities, and (4) expanding the income and housing supports for low-income families.
Moonshot Generational Commitment
Enact a permanent, universal family or child allowance to deliver on our historic commitment to “end child poverty.”
Learn MoreRelated Updates
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Immigration
Tell City Officials in Austin: Protect and Support Families
A recent 911 call in Austin led to the arrest, detention, and deportation of a U.S. citizen child. This incident underscores how collaboration between the Austin Police Department (APD) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is putting children and families at risk and eroding public trust. …
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Gun Violence
CDF Cares: Supporting Children and Families After the Fatal Shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti
Children’s Defense Fund stands with those affected, offering care, connection, and advocacy during times of crisis. …
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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. …
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Education
Advocate for Immigrant Students’ Access to Higher Education in Texas
During the recent Texas legislative session, some lawmakers proposed legislation that would have limited the provisions of the Texas Dream Act so that Texas high school graduates who are undocumented could no longer qualify for in-state tuition. …