Poverty in the U.S. will reach drastic levels because of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a harsh spotlight on the economic, social, and racial inequities in our nation.
Read MoreAmid COVID-19, We Must Protect Our Most Vulnerable Children From Lasting Harm
Those disproportionately impacted by this crisis were either completely left out of the previous relief packages or have additional, critical needs that must be addressed in Congress’ next response to the COVID-19 crisis. We cannot allow this crisis to continue to exacerbate existing disparities, hit our most vulnerable children the hardest, and cause lasting harm.
Read More
Child WelfareEarly ChildhoodEducationEnding Child PovertyGun Violence PreventionHealthImmigrationService AnnouncementsYouth Justice
Please stay calm, stay safe, and stay strong. We will get through this together.
The Children’s Defense Fund’s commitment to protecting all children and families is more important now than ever. We are quickly adapting to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 public health emergency with urgency and impact.
Read MoreCongress Must Support Families and Address Further Strain to Child Welfare System
On behalf of nearly 600 national, state, and local organizations, CDF sent a letter to Congressional leaders urging Congress to act immediately to equip the child welfare system with the tools it needs to handle this crisis. Strengthening the system to face these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the entire child welfare continuum.
Read MoreSafeguards for Migrant Children Are Not a “Loophole”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, citing coronavirus concerns, is removing unaccompanied children to countries where they fear violence and persecution. This is deeply troubling, and it is also a violation of children’s legal rights under federal law.
Read MoreWe’re All in This Together. COVID-19 Relief Must Protect All Families.
Congress’ third bill responding to the impacts of COVID-19, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was a necessary but incomplete step forward in the fight to ensure the needs of children and families are met in the midst of this pandemic.
Read MoreThe $2 Trillion Stimulus Package Was Necessary But Falls Short for Families and Children in the Child Welfare System
We are urging Congress to act immediately to provide crucial support to families facing the stress and disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic by equipping the child welfare system with the tools it needs to handle the crisis.
Read MoreHere’s What the $2 Trillion Stimulus Package Means for Children and Families
While this bill represents a very important step forward, it does not meet all of the needs of children and families, particularly the most vulnerable, and falls far short of including all of the priorities for relief CDF outlined in our letter to Congress last week
Read MoreFree Virtual Education Tools for Children and Their Caregivers
Millions of children are out of school right now, as communities take action to slow the coronavirus epidemic, and there is a real possibility that some of these students may not be returning to business-as-usual anytime soon.
Read MoreToday the Senate Will Take Up the House-Passed Families First Coronavirus Response Act – Here’s What You Need to Know
Today the Senate will take up the House-passed Families First Coronavirus Response Act, as the next step in providing relief from the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic.
Read More