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

James (Jamie) Kerr and Albina Johnson played pivotal roles in a transformative pro bono case aimed at improving the welfare of children in Maine's foster system. Partnering with Bernstein Shur and Children's Rights, Jamie and Albina’s expertise in #eDiscovery was instrumental in securing significant reforms. In the latest #ConsilioInAction story discover how their dedication made a difference: https://buff.ly/4gIVscW

Thank you, Paris Hilton, for your unwavering dedication to ending the harms of child institutionalization. It's thanks to champions like you raising their voices together that we can make a difference for children. We’re proud to honor you as our 2024 Voice for Justice and are excited to celebrate the work you and our other changemakers have done to advocate for the rights of children and families. Together we will continue pushing for a world that recognizes the humanity and dignity of all children and families.

In 2022, New York State investigated nearly 130,000 reports of child abuse or neglect. 76% of these reports were unfounded, meaning there was not enough evidence to support a claim of maltreatment. This staggering number highlights a crucial issue: thousands of children and their caregivers are subjected to intrusive investigations that cause families stress and trauma—all at a high cost to taxpayers. From the start, there was no evidence that mandatory reporting would reduce or prevent child abuse, yet this narrative has been widely shared. Research shows that even in states where every person is a mandated reporter, there is no increase in the identification of abuse. The mandate fails to prevent abuse and often leads to unnecessary involvement of families with the family policing system. It is time for New Yorkers to abandon the misconception that more reporting keeps kids safe – it does not. #SupportNotSurveillance

No child should grow up wondering if anyone cares about them, but that’s what happens to many kids in state foster systems. Ashley endured years of abuse while in Arizona's system. No one listened then, but now when she speaks up for kids trapped in systems and demands change – people are listening. They are facing the truth of what governments are doing to children and families. Add your name to our pledge and help us fight for a future where every child is safe, supported, and loved. Let’s demand better for children. Sign the pledge: https://lnkd.in/eBk9wfRX. #HowWeTreatKids #FosterTruth #KidsDeserveBetter

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the last decade, nearly all indicators of poor mental health—ranging from anxiety to suicidal thoughts—have worsened for high school students. These numbers represent real children in desperate need of access to community mental health services, yet too often, they don't receive the help they need. Across the U.S., systemic barriers force parents to navigate dysfunctional, complex systems while children wait for urgent care. We've seen it in our cases: too many children stuck in emergency rooms, facing months-long delays, or placed in institutions far from home, where their conditions worsen. This stark reality underscores the deepening mental health crisis and the urgency for collective action. While small improvements show that awareness and access make a difference, it’s clear that much more must be done—not just to improve access, but to fight the stigma that keeps children from seeking help. We must continue to fight for mental health care that reaches every child—before a crisis unfolds.

Every 3 minutes, a child is separated from their family. This means that by the time you go to sleep tonight, as many as 300 children will have endured the trauma of family separation and been placed in state foster systems. These systems - which claim to protect and care for children - instead deny them the stability and nurturing environments they deserve, deepening racial inequities and perpetuating cycles of harm that entrap generations. This isn’t care—this is cruelty. We cannot stand by and allow our government systems to treat children like this. Take our pledge to Foster Truth For Kids, and commit to educating, advocating, and raising your voice for change. With your help, we can create better futures for children: https://lnkd.in/evxnBnxS

In Loving Angelina, Jocelyn Lopez takes readers through her traumatic childhood, marked by her mother’s struggle with substance abuse, which ultimately led to their separation. The narrative evokes profound empathy—not only for Jocelyn, who endures unimaginable hardship and loss, but also for her mother, whom she views with deep love and compassion despite her parental shortcomings. Lopez's heartfelt portrayal of resilience and unconditional love makes this a powerful and moving read. We highly recommend it. https://ow.ly/YBUY50TzjFn

Crystal spent most of her childhood in the Texas foster system, moving through so many placements she lost count. After aging out of the system, she testified in a Children’s Rights lawsuit against the State, sharing the abuse she endured in a system meant to protect her. Crystal’s voice is helping to expose a system that often fails children, ensuring that no child experiences what she did. Crystal, along with hundreds of thousands of others who endure abuse and neglect in state custody, deserves justice—and it starts with the truth. Our voices can help create lasting change. Add your name to our pledge and help expose the harsh realities of these systems. Take the pledge today to foster truth for kids ?? https://lnkd.in/eBk9wfRX

On October 7, 12-1:30 PM ET, join Children’s Rights, Lambda Legal, Center for the Study of Social Policy, and Unicorn Solutions LLC for a panel discussion on the "Safe Havens II" report, focused on affirming and supporting transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse (TNGD) youth in out-of-home systems. This session will cover key findings and a roadmap for improving support for TNGD youth in child welfare, juvenile legal, and youth homelessness systems. Register today at https://lnkd.in/dt9AdCN