National Archives - Children's Defense Fund

For Our Children: It's Time to Go Back to School

August 31, 2026 - Protect education and stand up for every child’s right to learn, grow, and thrive.

August 31, 2026 | National

CDF Welcomes Nick Vucic as Organization’s National Director of Public Affairs

August 28, 2026 - Vucic most recently served as the Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families.

August 28, 2026 | National

CDF Opposes Federal Proposal That Would Allow Contractors to Body Search Unaccompanied, Detained Youth

August 25, 2026 - CDF encourages the public and lawmakers on Capitol Hill to speak out against this proposal from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The public comment period ends tonight, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

August 25, 2026 | National

A Celebration of Joy: CDF-Minnesota to Honor State Leaders, Uplift Youth Advocates

August 21, 2026 - CDF-Minnesota’s ‘A Celebration of Joy’ will recognize three Minnesotans for their contributions to advancing the well-being of young people in the Twin Cities area and across the state of Minnesota.

August 21, 2026 | National

CDF: Proposed Head Start Overhaul Will Threaten the Well-Being of Millions of America’s Children

August 6, 2026 - The national youth advocacy organization warns that scaling back the 61-year-old program will harm low-income children and families nationwide.

August 6, 2026 | National

For Our Children: The Conditions Our Children Inherit

July 31, 2026 – As a new school year begins, children are returning to classrooms while facing growing challenges, from hunger and health care cuts to mental health needs and educational inequities. Explore why this moment calls for renewed commitment to every child's well-being.

August 3, 2026 | National

CDF President, Baltimore Parents to Discuss ‘Are the Children Well?’ at CDF Freedom Schools® Town Hall

July 27, 2026 - CDF President & CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson is visiting CDF Freedom Schools sites nationwide this summer to discuss children’s mental health with parents.

July 27, 2026 | National

CDF Urges Congress to Pass ‘American Dream and Promise Act’ to Secure Futures for Nation’s Dreamers

July 21, 2026 - The bipartisan legislation would establish a permanent pathway to citizenship, grant conditional residency to Dreamers, and protect TPS and DED beneficiaries from deportation.

July 21, 2026 | National

Northern CA CDF Freedom Schools® Scholars to Gather at San Francisco’s Chase Center to Call for Increased Mental Health, Wellness Support in Communities, Schools

July 15, 2026 - Under the theme, 'Are the Children Well?', more than 500 local school-aged children will raise their voices to advocate for the mental health resources essential to their success.

July 15, 2026 | National

Southern CA CDF Freedom Schools® Scholars to Gather in South LA to Call for Increased Mental Health, Wellness Support in Communities, Schools

July 14, 2026 - Under the theme, 'Are the Children Well?', hundreds of local school-aged children will raise their voices to advocate for the mental health resources essential to their success.

July 14, 2026 | National