Children's Rights

Our policies must reflect our values as a society—values of compassion, justice, and a commitment to the well-being of every child.?Yet,?the facts?tell a different story: ? ???The U.S. spends less on children than nearly any other developed nation. ???1.2 million children are homeless each night. ???Millions of children face separation, poverty, and systemic injustice. ? The new administration’s policies have amplified the ongoing cruelty and injustice, with proposed cuts to vital healthcare, education, and family support services threatening to further harm children and families.?Time and again,?the?fundamental?needs of children and families?are?ignored.? ? We cannot let this continue. We must?demand that our leaders?prioritize children—that they take actions that?strengthen families and ensure every child has a safe, loving environment to grow and thrive. Read more in Sandy Santana's op-ed:

This is a friendly reminder to join us tomorrow, Tuesday, March 25 at 2:00 PM (EST) for this month’s She Matters Webinar, hosted by the Black Girls Equity Alliance. Topic: A Child Welfare Call to Action – Shifting Our Focus from Mandated Reporting to Mandated Supporting Location: Zoom (link provided upon RSVP) In this timely conversation, local and national child welfare leaders will explore efforts to move from a system centered on mandated reporting to one that prioritizes support and resource connection for families. Featured Panelists: ?? Dr. Rikell Ford, Allegheny County CYF ?? Eunice Stover, Allegheny County CYF ?? Shereen White, Children’s Rights ?? Sara Nevels, Gwen’s Girls This session is a must for educators, social workers, law enforcement, child welfare professionals, and advocates dedicated to child and family well-being. If you haven’t already, RSVP now to receive the Zoom link. We look forward to having you in the conversation! Link: https://lnkd.in/eC6Qbjmr

Children's Rights is seeking a committed and enthusiastic student to intern with our communications team and?support our commitment to government accountability and social justice for children. Are you passionate about digital impact and making a difference? With support from a small, dynamic team, the social media intern will gain hands-on experience in digital marketing, advocacy, and communications while working on a variety of issues that impact kids. Candidates must be available to volunteer three days and (20-25) hours per week, and be detail-oriented and well organized, with strong writing and critical thinking skills. Click the link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eCVwh2YU #Internship?#Hiring?#NowHiring?#Communications #SocialJustice?#ChildrensRights

Dismantling the Department of Education would harm millions of students, especially students with disabilities, those living in poverty and those facing discrimination. Education is a fundamental human right for every child and should be accessible to all. ? Read more about what's at stake:?https://lnkd.in/eycKj5bc

“My story thus far is one of resilience and transformation. I am here today not just to share it but to continue the work of ensuring that every voice — especially those who have been silenced — is heard.” Tawanna Brown is a 22-year-old powerhouse advocate, and a Children’s Rights Advocacy & Policy Fellow. In her latest piece for The Imprint News Tawanna talks about her advocacy journey, and how her voice became her greatest strength. Click the link to read more from Tawanna: https://lnkd.in/dkSZ8EbH

#BreakingNews: The federal government is again detaining immigrant families at our southern border. Two detention facilities in South Texas, both operated by private prison companies contracted by the government, are already beginning to hold families. Family detention is not a new idea, and has been implemented by several administrations. And it has always been unconscionable. We cannot be more clear–detention is no place for a child. Leecia Welch, Children’s Right Deputy Litigation Director, has borne witness to the psychological, emotional, and physical harm children experience while in detention. Being held even briefly can cause emotional harms that last a lifetime. Click the link to read more via The New York Times: https://lnkd.in/eV2VaUZX

Last month, we asked our community to dream forward with us, and share their visions of the future for children–and we were inspired by your hopes for a future full of possibility, joy, and equality. Every movement starts with a dream, and we believe that together, we can turn them into action, and actions into change. ?Thank you for dreaming forward with us?

No child should be separated from a loving father because of an erroneous legal?interpretation. The?ruling that prompted this appeal has perpetuated the travesty of family separation, inflicting trauma that can last a lifetime on children and families— particularly families of color and those experiencing poverty—and creating perverse incentives for fathers to withdraw from their children’s lives.? ? That’s why we filed an amicus brief urging the Court to correct this decades-long error that unconstitutionally denies children?and parents their?fundamental right to family integrity.? ? This is a pregnancy justice issue. This is a social justice issue. This is a family justice issue. This is a children’s rights issue. We submitted this brief in support of Mr. B in partnership with the Columbia Law School Family Defense Clinic and nearly 50 advocate organizations and individuals, including: Pregnancy Justice, the New York Civil Liberties Union, Drug Policy Alliance, Lawyers For Children, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, Juvenile Law Center, Black Families Love and Unuite, Mining for Gold, LLC, MJCF Coalition, NYS Defenders Association, Professor Dorothy Roberts, and United Family Advocates Read our amicus brief here: https://lnkd.in/eiBsKdFp

Children's Rights is seeking a committed and enthusiastic student to intern with our communications team and?support our commitment to government accountability and social justice for children. Are you passionate about digital impact and making a difference? With support from a small, dynamic team, the social media intern will gain hands-on experience in digital marketing, advocacy, and communications while working on a variety of issues that impact kids. Candidates must be available to volunteer three days and (20-25) hours per week, and be detail-oriented and well organized, with strong writing and critical thinking skills. Click the link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eCVwh2YU #Internship?#Hiring?#NowHiring?#Communications #SocialJustice?#ChildrensRights

The well-being of children is something we can all agree on.?But unfortunately, the actions of our lawmakers, no matter which side of the aisle, too often do not reflect this belief. In the coming weeks and months, Congress will consider bills and resolutions that have the potential to harm millions of children and families, including massive proposed cuts to Medicaid, the elimination of the Department of Education, and the erosion of social safety?net programs. Now is the time for us to remind our leaders of our values–as individuals and as a country, and ask that they stay true to them while making decisions on our behalf. Join us in urging Congress to put children first. https://lnkd.in/ez7QSkFK