Child Poverty

  • Child Poverty

    Veto Requests for Ohio’s State Operating Budget FY2026-2027

    This budget, as currently written, sends a stark and disheartening message: Ohio’s children and families are not a priority. At a time when families are struggling to access child care, health coverage, basic necessities, and safe housing, lawmakers have chosen to deliver massive tax breaks to the wealthy and handouts to stadium developers.

  • Child Poverty

    Landmark Studies Reveal Direct Cash Grants Boost Employment, Improve Well-being, Stability for NYC Youth Exiting Foster Care, Without Negative Consequences

    Findings from two studies show powerful results from unconditional cash grants pilot program for young adults transitioning out of New York City’s foster care system: increased sense of well-being and self-determination, greater portion of youth in labor market, and enhanced financial stability, with no increase in negative outcomes like jail entry or shelter use.

    | New York

  • Child Poverty

    “STARTING TO LIVE”

    Our pilot revealed the transformative potential of unconditional cash to help young people emerging from foster care to experience stability and a sense of control over their own lives—to truly experience a transition to adulthood.

  • Child Poverty

    Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson's Budget Reconciliation Letter

    The House-passed budget reconciliation package poses a grave threat to making that vision a reality. So, we are calling on you and your colleagues in the Senate to consider and pass a package that centers the needs of children and families.

  • Child Poverty

    Be Careful What You Cut

    Some years ago, the award-winning agency Fallon Worldwide created a series of ads for a pro bono Children’s Defense Fund campaign called “Be Careful What You Cut” that warned sharply against budget choices threatening programs on which children and families rely.

    | National

  • National

    Tell Congress Hands Off Basic Needs Programs Our Children Rely On

    Children's Defense Fund is sounding the alarm as Congress considers devastating cuts to the very programs that keep young people and their families fed, housed, healthy, and safe. We need every advocate, caregiver, and concerned community member to take immediate action.

    May 15, 2025

  • Child Poverty

    New York State must stand with children this year

    In one of the richest states in the U.S., 1 in 5 New York children are experiencing poverty. This is a policy choice, and this year’s state budget illustrates what is at stake for our children and families.

    | New York

  • Child Poverty

    A Time for True Renewal

    In 2020, when the start of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a holy season like no other, Pope Francis published an Easter Sunday letter directed to movements and organizations working for justice for people with low incomes and those experiencing poverty.