Earlier this year, Juvenile Justice Information Exchange published a story with an encouraging headline: “Juvenile prison populations reach all-time lows”.
So, as we celebrate CDF’s 50th anniversary this year, we’re excited to gather leaders and advocates and launch the policy agenda that will guide us from a bold legacy toward a bright future.
Washington, DC— Rev. Dr. Cheryl Cook-Posley will serve as Children’s Defense Fund’s new National Director of Movement Building. CDF President and CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson selected Cheryl Cook-Posley to take over the position after a nationwide search.
Over the weekend, the federal government narrowly avoided a shutdown, when Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) just hours shy of the end of fiscal year 2023.
“While we join the nation in mourning this loss, Children’s Defense Fund is uplifted by the appointment of our Board Chair, Laphonza Butler, to the United States Senate. A stalwart and dedicated Board member for more than 10 years, Laphonza has shown a deep commitment to improving outcomes for America’s children and youth. The Laphonza Butler we have worked closely with in CDF’s governance, is a brilliant strategist, caring parent, and strong advocate who will surely work in young people’s interests on Capitol Hill. This is a win for California’s children and families during this crucial time in the United States Senate and American politics.”
One of the gifts of faith traditions is that they point us to vision and wisdom that is greater than our present reality. This is why Children’s Defense Fund has been working with congregations, synagogues, mosques, and temples for thirty years to celebrate and advocate for a world where children are centered in the National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths.
As a group of advocacy organizations specifically focused on child well-being, we the undersigned have grave concerns that the actions of extreme factions within Congress will cause undue harm in the near-term and well into the future for children and families with the lowest incomes.