New York

  • Early Childhood

    The Truth About Youth Crime, Raise the Age

    I was 13 years old when New York decided my childhood was over. It wasn’t a weapon or a felony—it was a dollar. I bullied a classmate into giving it to me, and the state responded by sending me to jail.

    | New York

  • 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

    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 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.

  • 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