Annie E. Casey Foundation

April is #SecondChanceMonth, a month to support people returning to their communities after incarceration. Juvenile records can create long-term barriers for young people trying to access education or employment, even for minor infractions like skipping school or breaking curfew. These records often remain visible and can disqualify someone from jobs, training programs or professional licenses. States can strengthen their policies by making juvenile records presumptively confidential, clearing records automatically and advising youth of the possible consequences of a conviction — helping ensure more young people have a real second chance.

Applications are now open for the Foundation’s summer internship program! At Casey, interns join a dynamic team of professionals who share a deep commitment to building a better future for children and families. These opportunities are open to students currently enrolled in an associate or bachelor’s degree program.

On March 26, Casey staff and consultants visited Pittsburgh Yards® in Atlanta — a vibrant community hub that’s home to local businesses and nonprofits — to explore what makes communities safe and thriving. A highlight of the day: a stop at STE(A)M Truck, a nonprofit based at Pittsburgh Yards that brings hands-on, project-based learning in science, technology, engineering, arts and math to young people.

The Casey Foundation’s 2024 Annual Results Report is here! This year’s report highlights how communities across the country are creating opportunities for children, young people and families — and how Casey is supporting solutions led by those closest to the challenges. We saw young people find purpose through apprenticeships, children stay with loving family members and local leaders build safer communities. One focus this year: bringing child care to working families. In this video, meet a nonprofit near Akron, Ohio, working with our grantee, the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, to help home-based providers build strong, sustainable businesses so more parents can access reliable care. This is one example of the progress we made in 2024, and a reminder that with the right support, every child and every family can thrive. Explore the full report and watch the video series: https://lnkd.in/es4QDiFH

Zero-tolerance discipline policies often lead to suspension or expulsion — increasing the risk of students dropping out or entering the justice system. A new tool kit helps advocates, schools and communities take a different approach: supporting struggling students while maintaining a safe, productive learning environment for all. Schools can identify their biggest risk factors for school pushout and develop better policies and practices.

Growing up in a digital world, young children today are comfortable online and active on platforms such as YouTube, Roblox and TikTok. Despite its popularity, the inter­net can be a dan­ger­ous place for kids. Pro­tect­ing child users from harm or mis­use is a team effort — one that involves par­ents, edu­ca­tors, con­tent devel­op­ers, ser­vice providers and the chil­dren them­selves work­ing together.

Just back from a soul-shifting gathering in Puerto Rico with nearly 100 phenomenal Fellows from the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Children and Family Fellowship. It was more than a convening—it was an experience rooted in place, purpose, and people. We showed up not as tourists or experts, but as complex guests, ready to listen, learn, and connect with the land, the youth, and the powerful leaders shaping Puerto Rico’s present and future. Reuniting with my Class Ocho cohort brought so much joy, and being in fellowship with the broader network left me both full and empty—full of purpose, energy, and admiration; emptied in the best way after pouring out love, truth, and commitment in community. The youth, the elders, the art, the music, and the movement work across Puerto Rico reminded us: solidarity is not symbolic. We’re returning home ready to take action, to deepen relationships, and to offer support where it’s invited. Puerto Rico, we see you. We thank you. And we’re with you.

Many young people in the justice system have experienced deep trauma that shapes how they act. Healing-centered approaches focus on care, connection and a sense of belonging instead of punishment to help young people grow and make amends for the harm they have caused. In this video, Casey’s Tanya Washington explores the role of heal­ing in creating safer com­mu­ni­ties and help­ing young peo­ple thrive. Read the Q&A to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eq_K2f8n

Baltimore’s YouthWorks program, operated by the Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Employment Development, now offers year-round employment to city high school students, helping them gain paid work experience, explore career paths and stay connected to education. For Jaden Dixon, the experience was transformative. He worked as a coach, learned to box and gave back to his community. “YouthWorks is a great opportunity to build your resume, make a little money and bring out certain character traits you may not have known you had.”

We're pleased to announce the new class of the Children’s Health Leadership Network. This 18-month program supports public system leaders in improving children’s health. The 2025–2027 class includes teams from Connecticut and Hawaii, both working to strengthen support for children and youth with moderate-to-high behavioral health needs and their families. Read more: https://lnkd.in/epjFrtH7