New York Archives - Children's Defense Fund

A Celebration of Joy: CDF-New York to Honor State Leaders, Uplift Youth Advocates Committed to Advancing Children’s Well-Being

June 16, 2026 - CDF-New York’s ‘A Celebration of Joy’ will recognize three New Yorkers for their contributions to advancing the well-being of young people in New York City and New York State.

June 16, 2026 | New York

A Celebration of Joy: CDF-New York 2026

Join us for storytelling, creativity, and celebration, all centered in the people who inspire our work.

June 17, 2026

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.

March 18, 2026 | New York

José Pérez

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.

New York

A Celebration of Joy: CDF-New York to Honor State Leaders, Uplift Youth Advocates Committed to Advancing Children’s Well-Being

Aaron Arvelo

Beth Baltimore

A Celebration of Joy: CDF-New York 2026

The Truth About Youth Crime, Raise the Age

José Pérez

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

“STARTING TO LIVE”

New York State must stand with children this year

Child and Family Wellbeing Fund One-pager

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