The Child Welfare Emergency Assistance Act Would Assist Children and Families During the COVID-19 Health Crisis
On July 2, Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Kamala D. Harris (D-CA), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced the Child Welfare Emergency Assistance Act of 2020 (S. 4172). The bill will provide a much-needed infusion of emergency resources to help the child welfare system adequately respond to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Increase Chafee Funds to Protect and Support Foster Care Youth
The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the failure of the child welfare system to appropriately prepare older youth for adulthood. Each year, nearly 20,000 children “age out” of the child welfare system, reaching adulthood without the security, consistency, and support of a permanent family. When children are thrust into adulthood without that support, they have worse outcomes and are confronted with obstacles no young person should face alone. In ordinary times, youth who age out of care experience high rates of homelessness and poor educational attainment; these outcomes are exacerbated by the current crisis. Across the country, youth from foster care are losing their jobs and their homes and are facing serious food and economic insecurity without the support of family, yet Congress has failed to provide them with relief. Congress must act now to provide $500 million in emergency funding for the John H. Chafee Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood to ensure these youth with unique needs are not left behind.
Housing Is a Racial Justice Crisis: Solutions for Children and Families During COVID and Beyond
Before the COVID-19 crisis hit, millions of children and families, especially families of color, were struggling to afford housing. Housing disparities in America are a matter of racial justice; fair and affordable housing is
out of reach for far too many Black and Brown families who often live in segregated neighborhoods.TANF Must Be Strengthened to Fight For Racial Justice and Help Families Afford Their Basic Needs
The pandemic has magnified our nation’s failure to provide robust assistance for children and families in times of crisis. COVID-19 has also laid bare the systemic economic, social, and racial inequities embedded in our unjust systems. Today, communities of color are bearing the brunt of the fatal impacts of these injustices. People of color are more likely to have lost jobs due to COVID, are dying at more rapid rates compared to their white counterparts, and are more likely to live in poverty. As new research shows that the pandemic could cause child poverty rates to rise by 53 percent, especially for children of color, Congress must act now. Authorizing and expanding a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Emergency Fund and making long-term changes to the TANF block grant are more important than ever to make sure children and families can survive this crisis. Families should not have to worry where their next meal will come from or face harsh requirements that were impossible to meet even before this pandemic.
SNAP Must Be Strengthened to Fight Child Hunger During the Pandemic and Beyond
This pandemic has laid bare the catastrophic consequences of our nation’s failure to address hunger and
poverty, especially for our children.The Child Tax Credit Must Be Expanded to Fight Rising Child Poverty
The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the consequences of allowing so many children and families in America to live in poverty. Expanding and increasing the Child Tax Credit and creating a new Young Child Tax Credit will help reduce rapidly rising child poverty, provide meaningful assistance for working families, and help stabilize the economy during and beyond this pandemic.
Children and Families Need $2,000 a Month to Weather This Crisis
Children and families struggling to make ends meet need more than just a one-time payment. Families need a larger and recurring monthly payment of $2,000 a month for every adult and child for the duration of the economic downturn. Families with children are disproportionately feeling the effects of this crisis. We all benefit when children and their families are fully supported.
Child Poverty in America 2018 State Fact Sheet
State data released by the U.S. Census Bureau on September 26, 2019 reveal that child poverty remains a crisis across our nation despite progress in some states.
Child Poverty in America 2018 National Fact Sheet
National data released by the U.S. Census Bureau on September 10, 2019 reveal that children remain the poorest age group in the nation and children of color are at greatest risk.
Vaccines: A Guide for Parents
When enough people in a population are vaccinated against an infectious disease, “community immunity” protects the entire population. Community immunity helps protect those who cannot get vaccinated because they are too young, have weakened immune systems, or are part of the small portion of the population on whom vaccines are ineffective.
Vaccines, Preventable Diseases and Children’s Health
The facts are simple: Vaccines are safe. They are highly effective. They are supported by every major American medical society and government agency and are a routine part of pediatric care. Yet the growing number of VPD outbreaks suggest more must be done to support immunization and halt the spread of serious—and potentially deadly—diseases.
Family First Transition and Support Act of 2019
CDF joined other national organizations in expressing our support for the Family First Transition and Support Act of 2019 which would provide states and territories with resources and funding flexibility to transition to Family First – enhancing support for parents and relatives who are struggling to care for their children.
Medicaid Work Requirements Will Harm Children
Medicaid is a powerful anti-poverty tool that helps struggling parents get ahead by providing access to health coverage that can help them provide and care for their families. It ensures coverage to 37 million low-income children and children with disabilities. Nearly half of all births are covered by Medicaid. Despite Medicaid’s success,
the growing number of never-before allowed waivers allowing states to require recipients to work will harm children as parents and caregivers lose the health coverage they need to work and care for their children.New Opportunities for Kinship Families: Action Steps to Implement the Family First Prevention Services Act in Your Community
This brief, developed by the ABA Center on Children and the Law, Children’s Defense Fund and Generations United, highlights provisions in the Family First Prevention Services Act that help kinship families, along with steps caregivers, advocates, and other leaders can take to help implement the Family First Act. Includes a chart comparing services and supports for kin before and after the Family First Act.
Gun Violence and School Safety Data: Parent and Child Trends Survey 2018
CDF’s Parent and Child Trends Survey conducted by YouGov with data collected May 8th through May 21st, 2018.
School Shootings Spark Everyday Worries: Parent and Child Trends Survey 2018
As another school year begins, fear of a school shooting is front and center in the minds of America’s children, outranking common childhood worries like experiencing peer pressure and not fitting in with classmates.
Child Poverty in America 2017 State Fact Sheet
State data released by the U.S. Census Bureau on September 13, 2018 reveal that child poverty remains a crisis across our nation despite progress in some states.
Child Poverty in America 2017 National Fact Sheet
Poverty data released by the U.S. Census Bureau on September 12, 2018 show roughly 12.8 million America children lived in poverty in 2017, about 450,000 fewer than in 2016.
Case Study on Reforming School Discipline, Equity, and Justice: Oklahoma City Public Schools Profile
CDF and AASA, the School Superintendents Association, believe that all schools should be welcoming and productive places for children to learn and for teachers to teach. We believe that exclusionary discipline – suspending or expelling a student from school for a disciplinary reason – be used sparingly and as a last resort. Measures can and should be taken to build positive school climates, response to special circumstances of students, prevention student misbehavior, and address violations of school rules in a restorative manner.
Case Study on Reforming School Discipline, Equity, and Justice: Madison Metropolitan School District Profile
Case Study on Reforming School Discipline, Equity, and Justice: Broward County Public Schools Profile
Case Study on Reforming School Discipline, Equity, and Justice: Denver Public Schools Profile
Leading National Children’s Groups Statement of Principles
Farm Bill Comparison Fact Sheet 2018
Keep Families Together Act 2018 Summary
The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) Reauthorization Fact Sheet
Medicaid Work Requirements Will Harm Children 2018
Youth First Initiative Resources
CDF Partners with Youth First to End Youth Incarceration in the U.S.
Over Forty Years of Vigilance
The Truth About Guns 2018 Fact Sheet
Principles for Health Coverage Reform Proposals
Family First Prevention Services Act 2018 CRS Report
Family First Prevention Services Act 2018 Detailed Summary
Family First Prevention Services Act 2018 Full Text
Family First Prevention Services Act 2018 Implementation Timeline
Family First Prevention Services Act 2018 Short Summary
Protect Children Not Guns Fact Sheet – 2016 Gun Deaths
Analysis of the President’s FY 2019 Budget Proposal
Senate’s Continuing Resolution Offers New Hope to Children, Families and Communities 2018
Child Care for Working Families Act Fact Sheet 2017
National Day of Action to #SaveCHIP! 2018
Child Poverty in America 2016 State Fact Sheet
Medicaid Matters for Children in Foster Care Fact Sheet 2017
Setting the Record Straight on CHIP
Child Poverty in America 2016 National Fact Sheet
Extend CHIP for 5 More Years
Ten Ways the Better Care Reconciliation Act Harms Children and Offers Worse Care 2017
Keep Medicaid Strong for Children 2017 Fact Sheet
Why The American Health Care Act Harms Children and Other Vulnerable Groups and Why It Must Be Rejected 2017
Analysis of the President’s FY 2018 Budget Proposal, Part I: “Skinny” in Stature and Details, But Huge in Harms For Low-income Children and Adults
Keep Medicaid Strong: Reject Proposals to “Reform” through Block Grant or Per Capita Cap
Congress Must Not Repeal the Affordable Care Act without a Replacement That Protects Children and Families Fact Sheet 2017
Keep Children’s Health Coverage Strong: Protect Medicaid! 2017
Protect the ACA for Children and Families 2017
Child Poverty in America 2015
Family First Prevention Services Act 2016 Detailed Summary
Family First Prevention Services Act 2016 Short Summary
Family First Act 2016 Fact Sheet
Child Care Access to Resources for Early-Learning Act Fact Sheet 2016
The Early Childhood Hunger Imperative
Every Student Succeeds Act 2015 Foster Care FAQ
Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS): Final Rule 2016
Family Stability and Kinship Care Act 2015 Summary
Ending Child Poverty Now 2015 Talking Points
Child Poverty in America 2014 State Fact Sheet
Child Poverty in America 2014 National Fact Sheet
Ending Child Poverty Now 2015 Brief
Medicaid: Celebrating Fifty Years of Health Coverage for Children and Families 2015
The Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid Expansion Helps Adults and Children 2015
Top Ten Reasons to Expand Medicaid 2015
Analysis of FY 2016 House and Senate Budget Resolution
Title I Portability – A Bad Deal for Poor Children
Protect Children, Not Guns Fact Sheet 2014
Positive Behavioral Supports 2014 Overview
Restorative Justice 2014 Resource Guide
School Discipline 2014 Resource Guide
School Discipline Data 2014 Overview
School Discipline in the Eyes of School Superintendents 2014 Report
School District Codes of Conduct: Guide for District Leaders 2014
Funding School Discipline Reform 2014 Resource Guide
Positive Behavioral Supports 2014 Resource Guide
Restorative Justice 2014 Overview
Six Tips for Communicating Changes to Codes of Conduct 2014
Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act Fact Sheet
Child Poverty In America 2013 State Analysis
Child Poverty In America 2013 Fact Sheet
In-School Suspension Best Practices Fact Sheet 2014
More of the Same from Rep. Ryan’s “New” Poverty Plan
Extend Funding for CHIP this Year!
Investing in Early Childhood Development and Learning
Strong Start for America’s Children Act 2014 Fact Sheet
Importance of Early Childhood Development and Learning 2014 Fact Sheet
Analysis of President Obama’s FY 2015 Budget Proposal
Child Care and Development Block Grant Act Provides Necessary Changes to Imrpove Quality of Child Care for Children and Families 2014
Strong Start for America’s Children Act Offers New Hope for Children Birth through Five 2014
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) 2014 Fact Sheet
Reforming the Nation’s Largest Juvenile Justice System
Government Shut-Down is Affecting Children, as Debt-Ceiling Deadline Grows Closer 2013
Protect Children, Not Guns 2013 Key Facts
Ensuring Adequate Marketplace Provider Networks
Making Health Insurance Exchanges Work for Kids
Child Poverty in America 2012
Health Reform – Gearing Up for 2014 Fact Sheet
SNAP Works for Children and America 2013 Fact Sheet
Analysis of President Obama’s FY 2014 Budget Proposal
Uninterrupted Scholars Act 2013 FAQ
Uninterrupted Scholars Act Signed Into Law 2013
Perspectives on Fostering Connections: A Series of White Papers on the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008
Gun Deaths in the States, 2000-2010
Ensuring Every Child a Safe Start through Common Sense Gun Safety Laws 2013
Essential Health Benefits Fact Sheet
Protect Medicaid for Children 2012
Budget Principles Fact Sheet 2012
Uninterrupted Scholars Act 2012 Summary
Child Poverty in America 2011
Child Poverty in the States 2011
Increasing Access to Full-Day Kindergarten 2012 Fact Sheet
Young Families Struggle in the Face of Falling Incomes, Dramatic Increases in Inequality 2012
Analysis of President Obama’s FY 2013 Budget Proposal
Medicaid Myths and Facts 2011 Fact Sheet
Fostering Connections to Success in Education Amendment Promotes Educational Stability for Children in Foster Care 2011
Child Poverty in America 2010
Changes in the Weekly and Annual Earnings of Young Adults from 1979 – 2010: Progress and Setbacks Amidst Widening Inequality 2011 Policy Brief
The Deterioration in the Labor Market Fortunes of America’s Young Adults During the Lost Decade of 2000-2010 Policy Brief
The Impact of Rising Poverty on the Nation’s Young Families and Their Children, 2000-2010 Policy Brief
Trends in the Levels and Distribution of the Annual Incomes Among Young Families, 1973 to 2010: Deteriorating Real Incomes Amidst Steeply Rising Inequality 2011 Policy Brief
The Continued Collapse of the Nation’s Teen Summer Job Market: Who Worked in the Summer of 2011?
Disparities Between Black and White Children 2011
6.5 Million Children Benefit from Social Security Fact Sheet
Balanced Budget Amendment Fact Sheet 2011
Number of Children in Foster Care Continues to Decline
Medicaid Works for Children and for America 2011
SNAP Works for Children and America 2011
Full Day Kindergarten: Why Does It Matter?
Full-Day Kindergarten 2014 Fact Sheet
Glossary of Terms Frequently Used in Federal Education Discussions
Priorities for ESEA Reauthorization Fact Sheet 2011
Budget Tradeoffs Fact Sheet 2011
Summary of CDF State Office Commitments to Secretaries Sebelius and Duncan’s Connecting Kids to Coverage Challenge
Who are the Uninsured Children, 2010
New Investments to Help Children and Families: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Early Childhood Home Visiting Program
Number of Children in Foster Care Declines 2010
Helping Connect Children and Youth in Foster Care to Permanent Family and Relationships through Family Finding and Engagement 2010
Asthma Health Fact Sheet
Child Nutrition Fact Sheet 2010
Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act 2010 Detailed Summary
Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act 2010 Kinship Summary
Child Nutrition Reauthorization Fact Sheet 2010
Five Key Questions to Assess the Fiscal Impact of the Guardianship Assistance Program 2010
Guardianship Assistance Program Checklist
Identification of and Notice to Relatives Checklist
Mental Health Fact Sheet 2010
Sample Guardianship Assistance Agreement
Guide to Using the Guardianship Assistance Agreement 2010
Making the Case for the Guardian Assistance Program
Myths and Facts Related to Use of the Guardianship Assistance Program 2010
Health Reform for Young Adults Q & A: Dependent Coverage Provision
Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act 2008 Key Considerations for Implementing the Notice Requirement
The Need for Educational Stability for Children in Foster Care: Recommendations for the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Reauthorization
Health Reform: Yes or No? We Say Yes!
New Program Instruction: Children Already With Guardians Eligible for KinGAP Assistance
Analysis of President Obama’s FY 2011 Budget Proposal
Priorities for Ensuring that the Reauthorization of ESEA Adequately Addresses the Needs of Poor and Vulnerable Children
Sample State Legislation Needed to Implement the Federal Kinship Guardianship Assistance Option Under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act
Health Reform Holiday Discussion Guide Placemat 2009
Child Poverty in America 2007
Latino Child Health 2009 Fact Sheet
Latino Children’s Health and Health Status 2008 Fact Sheet
Who Are the Uninsured Children, 2008
Health Care Reform Case Study
Without Improvements Health Reform Could Leave Millions of Children Worse Off 2009
Black Child Health Fact Sheet 2009
Youth PROMISE Act 2009 Summary
Help Children Being Raised by Grandparents and Other Relatives and Their Relative Caregivers by Expanding and Establishing Kinship Navigator Programs 2009 Fact Sheet
Health Reform Legislation Must Include Priorities for Children
Health Coverage for All Children and Pregnant Women Now 2009 Fact Sheet
Disparities in Children’s Health and Health Coverage 2009 Fact Sheet
New Economic Recovery Law: Resources to Help Children and the Economy
Health Care Reform for Children – Going Beyond CHIP 2009 Fact Sheet
Conversation Guide for Children’s Health Coverage: How to Discuss It and Dispel Myths
Kinship Care Resource Kit
Kinship Care Resource Kit – Communities with Kinship Families
Kinship Care Resource Kit for Community and Faith-Based Organizations
Kinship Care Resource Kit: Helping Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children
Kinship Care Resource Kit: National Kinship Care Resources
Health Coverage for All Children Campaign Talking Points
President-Elect Barack Obama’s Plans for America’s Children
Children in the States 2008 All States
Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act 2010 Short Summary
Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act 2008 Side-by-Side Comparison of Bills
Invest in Every Child: Immediate Priorities for All Children 2008
All Children Need Health Coverage Now 2009 Fact Sheet
Health Coverage for All Children Campaign 2008 Fact Sheet
The All Healthy Children Act: The Best Policy for Children Fact Sheet
Child Poverty In America 2008
Trends in Child Poverty and Extreme Child Poverty 2008
Rising Health Care Costs Fact Sheet
Analysis of President Bush’s FY 2009 Budget Proposal
Polling Data: Americans Support Health Coverage for Children
SCHIP Reauthorization 2007 Timeline
All Healthy Children Act 2007 Summary En Espanol
All Healthy Children Act 2007 Full Summary
Analysis of President Bush’s FY 2008 Budget Proposal
Earned Income Tax Credit Fact Sheet
Children Born Poor in 2006
Child Abuse and Neglect Fact Sheet 2005
Defining Poverty and Why It Matters for Children 2005
Over 13 Million Children Face Food Insecurity 2005
Child Care Issue Basics 2005 Fact Sheet
Increasing the Minimum Wage: An Issue of Children’s Well-Being 2005 Report
Child Tax Credit Fact Sheet 2005
High School Exit Exams – Quick Facts
Teacher Quality Quick Facts 2004
The Road to Dropping Out 2004
Recommendations for Strengthening Courts 2004 Report
Misidentification of Minority Youth in Special Education Fact Sheet
Improving Education for Homeless and Foster Children with Disabilities in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act Summary 2004
Educational Resource Disparities for Minority and Low-Income Children
Chronology of Congressional Child Welfare Financing Proposals from 1980-2003
What are Community Partnership for Protecting Children? 2003
Number of Black Children in Extreme Poverty Hits Record High
Infants and Toddlers Are Particularly Vulnerable: Good Child Care and Early Education Can Play a Vital Role in Their Development 2003 Fact Sheet
Prekindergarten Initiatives: Efforts to Help Children Enter School Ready to Succeed
Ensure Fair Discipline in IDEA 2003
School-Age Child Care: Keeping Children Safe and Helping Them Learn While Their Families Work 2003
Child Care Assistance 2003 Issue Brief
Expanding Opportunities to Participate in Quality Programs for Children with Disabilities and Other Special Needs Fact Sheet 2003







