Children's Rights

The time is now to end our nation’s indifference to the rights of children. As a civil rights organization, Children’s Rights has spent decades battling injustices against children and compelling the federal government and states to create lasting systemic change that advances the rights of children. Join us in our growing movement to fight for children’s civil and human rights. We believe that together we can build a future where children and families thrive together and our communities are stronger. Sign up today: https://lnkd.in/eR8AhYPV. #WhatAboutTheKids #ChildrensRights #ChildrensRightsAreHumanRights

Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, we stand together to shed light on a struggle too often faced in silence. To anyone who needs to hear it—you are not alone. In 2023, 20% of high school students seriously considered attempting suicide. That's 1 out of every 5 students. Mental health care should be proactive, accessible, and affordable for all, especially for young people. We must provide support before a crisis unfolds, offering care tailored to their needs. We all have a part in creating a compassionate, supportive environment for one another. Take a moment to check in with your loved ones—and don't forget to check in with yourself, too. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There is no shame in reaching out. If you or someone you know needs support: 988 chat: https://ow.ly/zQKh50Tkrqv The Trevor Project Chat: https://ow.ly/GsLU50Tkrqu

Get ready to be inspired! Join us on October 29 for the Children’s Rights Benefit in NYC as we celebrate three incredible champions fighting to ensure every child’s right to a safe and nurturing childhood. This year, we’re thrilled to honor Paris Hilton, Jonathan DeJesus, and Michelle Perez. These leaders are not just raising their voices—they’re driving action to stop the horrors of child institutionalization. These changemakers will be honored along with Children’s Rights Champion Award recipients Edward Skyler and Citi, for their commitment to children and families. Purchase your tickets today and be part of this unforgettable night honoring Paris, Jonathan, and Michelle—and all those fighting for a brighter future for kids. Buy Tickets & Donate here: https://lnkd.in/exzmGziJ.

Celebrate #ReadABookDay by sharing the magic of reading with the kids in your life! ??? As the school year begins, take a moment to share your favorite stories together. Reading not only sparks the imagination, it can also build a lifelong love of learning and discovery. What was your favorite book as a child? Drop it in the comments below!??

The U.S. Surgeon General’s recent advisory underscores a critical truth: when we support parents, we support children and families. Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet stressful roles, with parents of children under 18 facing unique challenges that impact their mental and emotional health. The daily balancing of work, family responsibilities, financial worries, and lack of sleep leaves less time for rest, leisure, and relationships. The stress isn’t just tough on parents—it affects their children’s well-being too. By improving access to vital resources like mental health care and financial support, such as the child tax credit, we can provide parents with the support they need to create healthier, happier families. When parents thrive, children do too.

Safe Havens II sheds light on how anti-LGBTQ+ laws are harming transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse (TNGD) youth. Co-authored by Elliott Orrin Hinkle ????????????, principal of Unicorn Solutions LLC, the report draws on interviews with seven TNGD youth with experience in child welfare and juvenile legal systems, offering specific policy recommendations and calling for urgent action from policymakers to better support them, prevent system involvement, and protect those already within these systems. ? Co-authored by Children’s Rights, Lambda Legal, Center for the Study of Social Policy, and Elliott Hinkle. ? Hear Elliott discuss the findings on Oregon Public Radio’s Think Out Loud. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/enyC6PJn

Imagine being pushed out of the foster system on your 18th birthday with no home and no support. This is the harsh reality for many young adults in LA County. Too many young adults like Iziko Calderon, who was still in the state’s care when they were denied supportive housing and forced into homelessness, are left without the services that they are?legally?entitled to. “We still find ourselves with far too many children living on the streets, couch-surfing, in and out of homeless shelters. It is just incredibly dangerous,” said Leecia Welch, Children’s Rights’ Deputy Legal Director. But today, seven brave individuals are standing up against the system.?They are fighting not just for themselves, but for future generations who deserve a better path. We’re proud to stand with them. Read more via the Los Angeles Times: https://lnkd.in/eMeQrNDp

??As a nation, we are failing transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse (TNGD) youth, who call for community services that promote family health, increase acceptance, and keep youth from entering child welfare, juvenile legal, and homelessness systems. The newly released report, Safe Havens II, underscores the importance of accountability to ensure the safety and well-being of TNGD youth by centering the voices of seven TNGD youth contributors with lived experience in out-of-home systems. Created by Lambda Legal, Unicorn Solutions LLC, the Center for the Study of Social Policy, and Children's Rights, this report serves as a crucial roadmap for policymakers and allies, features data on current policy and challenges for TNGD youth in out-of-home systems, as well as the experiences of and solutions from our youth contributors. We can all play a role in advocating for accountability, affirmation, and support. Learn how you can make a difference at safehavensreport.org Click the link to read more: https://lnkd.in/d65_R5Ee #SafeHavens #ProtectTransYouth #SystemAccountability #TransRights #EqualityForAll #LGBTQYouth #YouthAdvocacy #PolicyChange #LGBTQRights #LGBTQ #SocialJustice

Research, including data provided by lived experts, clearly shows that families need support, not surveillance. Our leaders must listen to their voices and learn from their experiences to end the cycle of harm that traps families and children in a system that hurts more than it helps.

Children’s Rights is seeking undergraduate interns for the summer of 2024 to join an active litigation program. Our work tackles a variety of historic and emerging social justice issues impacting children. Undergraduate students interested in public interest law, the legal system, child welfare, social services, and/or reform of government systems would find an internship at Children’s Rights to be an interesting and rewarding experience. Candidates must be available 10-15 hours per week. Additionally, applicants must be detail-oriented and well organized, with strong writing and critical thinking skills, as well as excited to contribute to and observe all aspects of an advocacy non-profit. Click the link below to learn more: https://ow.ly/ijgA50SU1aK