New York
Since 1992, CDF-NY has empowered youth through research, policy, and advocacy. We tackle poverty's impact on New York's children and youth, emphasizing justice, education, health, and housing.
Dignity in Schools
Join the Dignity in Schools Campaign-New York, part of a nationwide effort to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline. We mobilize parents, youth, advocates, and educators in New York, aiming to revolutionize our local schools. CDF-New York, in a multi-party coalition, works tirelessly to change NYC’s punitive school discipline policies, fostering an environment of dignity, respect, and quality education. Stand with us for a safe, healthy, and inclusive school system that empowers every student to thrive.
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End Child Poverty
Explore End Child Poverty Now-New York, a campaign addressing the child poverty crisis. Our 2019 report advocates investing 1.4% more of the federal budget into existing programs, potentially reducing child poverty by 57% nationally and 58% in New York. Join us to help lift 5.5 million children and youth out of poverty.
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End Lead Poisoning
Discover CDF-New York’s End Lead Poisoning Now campaign, working to eradicate childhood lead poisoning in New York. Despite progress, alarming lead exposure rates persist, impacting children’s lifelong health. Our multi-faceted approach involves research, education, grassroots efforts, and advocacy, aiming to instigate local and statewide policy changes. By leveraging community knowledge and engaging with authorities, we work towards laws safeguarding children, youth, and their communities, reducing health risks, and improving economic outcomes.
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Raise the Age
Join Raise the Age-New York, a movement championing the implementation of a law raising the age of criminal responsibility in the state. This law is a product of collaborative efforts from diverse individuals and organizations. We celebrate this milestone and continue our advocacy for comprehensive reform in juvenile justice.
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Solutions Not Suspensions
Students, especially Black, Latinx, and students with disabilities, are disproportionately affected by suspensions, causing them to lose vital classroom time. CDF-NY stands with the Solutions Not Suspension Coalition, working to enhance school environments, curb the school-to-prison pipeline, and ensure every student feels respected and supported.
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Whole Child, Whole Community
Join youth advocates, community leaders, and state officials as we outline the urgent budget requirements for children, youth, and families. New York must prioritize these investments—now. Be a part of this community-driven vision by taking action.
Learn MorePolicy Priorities in New York
Learn more about New York’s policy priorities
Learn MoreUpdates in New York
YouthNPower
In collaboration with the CUNY Graduate Center’s Public Science Project, the Center for the Study of Social Policy, and New Yorkers For Children, YouthNPower: Transforming Care is a collective that includes young people age 18 to 25 with lived expertise in the child welfare system and coming from over-surveilled communities, working with researchers, policy advocates and organizers over 2 years to explore, document and uplift the power, needs, and desires of young people transitioning out of foster care as young adults in New York City.
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Share Your Story
Your story matters. Have you or your community been impacted by our programs or advocacy work? We want to hear from you.
Share Your StoryPrograms in New York
Freedom Schools
Movement Building
News from New York
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Child Health
2024-2025 NY State Budget and Legislative Action Agenda
Bold action is required if our system of care for youth and families in crisis were to be truly transformed. We call for urgent attention to the following critical domains for policy-making and collective action that recognize the need for concrete support and resources across young people’s lives as they navigate their emerging adulthood after foster care.…
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Testimony of Julia L. Davis, Esq. Before the Committee on Children and Youth New York City Council Budget and Oversight Hearings
Children’s Defense Fund – New York (CDF-NY) thanks the chairs and members of the Committee on Children and Youth for the opportunity to submit written testimony related to the City’s FY 2025 Budget and the needs of young people who rely on the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) and the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD).…
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Child Welfare
We Deserve Action, Not Just Words
Findings of a Survey of Former Foster Youth in New York City…
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Child Poverty
CDF-NY Calls on the U.S. Senate to Approve the Expansion of the Child Tax Credit
Today, our U.S. Senate has the power – in the form of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 – to prioritize marginalized children, young people, and their families by voting in favor of the expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC).…
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Stay Connected with New York
Children’s Defense Fund – New York
815 Second Avenue, 8th Fl.,
New York, NY 10017
Phone: (212) 697-2323
Fax: (212) 697-0566