California

Our mission centers on enhancing opportunities for youth by fostering secure neighborhoods, ensuring comprehensive health care, and promoting positive educational environments, shaping a brighter future for California's children and youth.

Three young girls holding gun prevention signs.

CDF-CA Freedom Schools

Hundreds of CDF Freedom Schools scholars joined together for celebration, public testimony, and collaborative learning in Sacramento.

Learn More
Youth Justice Director Milinda Kakani Testifying before Senate Sub-committee on CA’s Juvenile Justice System

Youth Justice

Youth Justice Director Milinda Kakani testifying before Senate Sub-committee on CA’s Juvenile Justice System.

Learn More
CDF California staff

ChildWatch

Revisit 2024 ChildWatch for dynamic workshops, inspiring speakers, and bold action to uplift youth advocacy and equity in Los Angeles.

Learn More
CDFCA's Education Equity Team engaging with community members on the power in vocalizing shared experiences through their story map event

Education Equity

CDF-CA’s Education Equity Team engaging with community members on the power in vocalizing shared experiences through their story map event.

Learn More
Girl in sun dress smiling.

Act Now

Your tax-deductible donation to Children’s Defense Fund today helps us lift young people out of poverty, protect them from abuse, provide healthcare, quality education, and nurture their moral and spiritual growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and youth.

Learn More
Contact CDF Freedom Schools

CDF Freedom Schools® Spotlight

Meet our spotlight CDF Freedom Schools sites and leaders across the state.

Learn More

Policy Priorities in California

Young woman claps her hands together and looks up to the sky in peace

Learn more about California’s policy priorities

Our Policy Priorities

Updates in California

Who has the power?

Los Angeles County has failed to ensure access to the essential tool of a quality, culturally affirming, robust, and individualized education to the thousands of students under its care in juvenile detention facilities each year. This failure disproportionately affects low-income communities of color and persists due to the lack of transparent and responsive accountability mechanisms.

Read More
CDF California staff.

CDF-CA Childwatch 2024

View highlights from the event.

View More

Programs in California

Young girl dancing and smiling during Harambee.

Freedom Schools

At CDF Freedom Schools®, we’re not just educating; we’re nurturing lifelong learners and advocates for progress. By empowering the youngest generation, we’re sculpting a brighter tomorrow where we celebrate every young person’s potential, and affirming their impact on the world is profound.

CDF Freedom Schools® Program

Movement Building

Through collaborative action and community-centered initiatives, we seek to reduce child poverty, achieve education equity, improve child well-being, and more. Together, we’re shaping a world where every young person’s journey is marked by dignity, hope, and joy.

Building a Movement for Youth

News from California

  • New Report Chronicles Los Angeles County’s Systemic Failure to Educate Incarcerated Youth

    The Education Justice Coalition (EJC), a consortium of youth advocacy and civil rights groups, today released a new report that examines the historical failures of Los Angeles County’s juvenile detention system and the current conditions that young people incarcerated face. …

  • Education

    Who has the power?

    Los Angeles County has failed to ensure access to the essential tool of a quality, culturally affirming, robust, and individualized education to the thousands of students under its care in juvenile detention facilities each year. This failure disproportionately affects low-income communities of color and persists due to the lack of transparent and responsive accountability mechanisms.…

  • Service Announcements

    Children’s Defense Fund-CA, LA Freedom Schools to Host Youth-Led Arts Celebrating Public Education

    On Wednesday, July 23, more than 125 young people will gather alongside Children’s Defense Fund-California at the SEED School of Los Angeles County, in South Los Angeles, for a youth-led arts celebration advocating the belief that public education be treated as a public good in America.…

  • Child Welfare

    CDF-CA: Military Presence in CA Communities Poses Threat to State’s Children

    Children’s Defense Fund–California has issued the following statement in response to recent actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the National Guard in California.…

See All Related Posts to California

Get Email and Updates from CDF-CA

Sign up for updates about how we work to fight for California Children and ways you can help.

Name(Required)
Address(Required)

Stay Connected with California

Children’s Defense Fund – California

Phone: (213) 355-8787

Click Here to Email Us