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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  • Education Equity

    CDF-Ohio State of School Discipline Report 2024

    This report describes the state of exclusionary school discipline practices in Ohio as a contributing factor to the community to prison pipeline.…

  • Child Poverty

    Children’s Defense Fund Statement on 2024 State of the Union 

    Last night, President Biden presented a vision for building a nation where all children can thrive, from crucial interventions to provide children and youth with high-quality early learning experiences to economic and community interventions that create conditions for young people to grow up with dignity, hope, and joy.  …

  • Child Welfare

    For Our Children – Unleashing the Joy: CDF’s Pursuit of Child Well-being

    Ten years ago this year, Ramesh Raghavan and Anna Alexandrova published research on child development in a scholarly article entitled, Toward a Theory of Child Well-Being. In the article, they document historical conceptualizations of child well-being, a policy history of the notion of child well-being, methods, and implications for measuring well-being, and–after reviewing several theories–posit one for adoption in the field. …

  • Education

    The Fight Against Texas’ HB 900 is a Fight for Public Education

    “We must ensure our students attend schools that are safe, supportive, and fully funded.”…

Young boy laughs with his friends at a CDF Freedom Schools event.

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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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Young boy laughs with his friends at a CDF Freedom Schools event.

Dr. Starsky Wilson speaks into a microphone.

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For 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.

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