New York Archives - Children's Defense Fund

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.

June 23, 2025 | 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

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.

April 22, 2025 | New York

Child Welfare

Child and Family Wellbeing Fund One-pager

Legislation creating a new Child and Family Wellbeing Fund would support children’s growth and development by investing resources in 10 communities that have been historically disenfranchised and targeted for government intervention through the child protective services (CPS)/child welfare system for 5 years.

Child Welfare

Child and Family Wellbeing Fund White Paper

This paper brings together our collective learning and explains the proposed New York State Child and Family Wellbeing Fund. We welcome conversations about the Fund and we hope this document will generate those discussions.

Youth Justice

CDF-New York, 90+ Partner Organizations Sign Letter in Support of Youth Justice Innovation Fund

The Innovation Fund builds on evidence showing that linking youth with community-based services reduces criminal legal system contact and promotes community safety.

March 26, 2025 | New York

Charity

A Celebration of Joy

Join CDF-New York on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, for A Celebration of Joy, an evening dedicated to progress, resilience, and the power of community.

April 30, 2025

New York

Children’s Defense Fund Appoints Khin Mai Aung New State Director for New York

The national youth advocacy organization Children’s Defense Fund has named Khin Mai Aung as its state director of the Children’s Defense Fund New York (CDF-NY) office.

January 15, 2025 | New York

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.

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).