On January 6th, violent insurrectionists attacked and desecrated the U.S. Capitol causing untold damage, countless injuries, and at least five deaths. During the attack, the insurrectionists defaced a commemorative display honoring the late Congressman John Lewis. John Lewis was a champion of democracy and civil rights. We cannot let this act of vandalism go unanswered. […]
Last year, young leaders and child welfare advocates made their voices heard leading to $400 million in critical emergency federal aid for foster youth. Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, current and former foster youth—ages 14 to 26—are eligible for funding for cash assistance, housing, college, and other necessities. The Act also prohibits states from requiring […]
It’s hard to imagine the abuse, trauma, and neglect children in our cases have endured. Children like Jeanine who moved through six different homes in as many years while in the Milwaukee County foster care system — in one of them, their foster father abused them to the point of needing stitches. Or siblings Danny […]
New Funding and Support for Older Foster Youth Thanks to the tremendous work of current and former foster youth and the thousands of advocates, the $900 billion stimulus bill has been signed into law. In addition to direct stimulus payments of $600 to eligible individuals, the bill also includes the Supporting Foster Youth & Families through […]
Most children have parents or family to watch after them and keep them safe. People who help them get ready for school each morning. Someone to make their favorite meals. And when their child is unwell or in need of care, they take them to doctor and counseling appointments and actively advocate for them and […]
Nationally, 31.2% of children ages 14 to 17 in the foster care system are forced to live in an institution or group facility (also known as congregate care) instead of with a family, putting children at severe risk of dangerous and tragic outcomes. In New Hampshire, the number of institutionalized children is staggering: over 70% […]
As 2020 draws to a close, our nation’s children—despite strides made over the last year to keep them safe—are still being harmed in the very child welfare systems meant to protect them. We keep relearning the same lesson: the state is not a good parent, and it cannot effectively substitute a parent-child bond with a […]
Thank you to everyone who joined us last night to support Children’s Rights at our gala benefit. While this year COVID-19 changed where and how we celebrated, 358 of our big-hearted supporters joined us from across the nation. As our fabulous emcee Jordan Roth put it: Remember hope? Thanks to you, it’s back! We’re proud to […]
As 2020 draws to a close in the midst of a global pandemic, economic upheaval, social unrest and a national awakening to the pervasiveness of systemic racism, we talked with Anne Robinson, General Counsel at Vanguard, CR board member and co-chair of this year’s Children’s Rights gala benefit. What are your feelings as a Black […]
The child welfare system is expansive, sometimes overbearing, and uniquely complex in the outcomes it can deliver. Equally as complex are the young people that enter and exit and the lives they choose to lead. Many of us take on roles working to improve the lives of other vulnerable populations whether they are in the […]
