Child Abuse & Neglect
Preventing child abuse and neglect starts with investing in stronger families. And, when abuse or neglect happens, children need swift but thoughtful action that gives them the best possible chance to grow up in a safe, nurturing home and build successful, adult lives. The choices made by federal policymakers shape state decisions. We work with them to inform and advance the right choices.
Resources
Statement: “Best interests of children” must govern policy
Michele Kayal | June 3, 2021 |
In response to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s order to revoke the licenses of facilities serving unaccompanied minors, First Focus on Children President Bruce Lesley …
Letter: The first — and next — 100 days
Bruce Lesley | May 4, 2021 |
First Focus on Children sent the following letter to President Joseph Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris congratulating them on the achievements of their …
Fact Sheet: The REAL impact of COVID-19 on kids
| April 22, 2021 |
Way back at the beginning of this pandemic, a narrative took hold that kids are not affected. Now, more than a year in, it …
More than ever, we need Champions for Children — these are policymakers meeting the moment
Bruce Lesley, First Focus Campaign for Children | February 4, 2021 |
Our nation’s children face multiple challenges to their well-being stemming from years of a declining share of federal investments in their future, the COVID-19 …
Key Stats on the Effect of COVID-19 on Kids
Aubrey Edwards-Luce, Averi Pakulis, Cara Baldari, Carrie Fitzgerald, Christopher Towner (Former Staff), Conor Sasner, Kathy Sacco, Michelle Dallafior, Miriam Abaya, Olivia Gomez | November 19, 2020 |
The COVID-19 pandemic is doing more than exposing the racial, ethnic, and economic disparities existing in our society; it is compounding them, and so …
2020 State Ratings Report on Human Rights Protections for Children in the U.S. Justice System
Aubrey Edwards-Luce, First Focus Campaign for Children | November 5, 2020 |
The advocacy organization Human Rights for Kids released its 2020 National State Ratings Report this week. The first-of-its-kind report evaluates how all 50 states …
New Research Supports Investing in the Needs of Young People in Foster Care During the Pandemic
Aubrey Edwards-Luce | October 21, 2020 |
Adulting is hard, but for the 20,000 youth who “age out” of foster care each year, suddenly required to be self-sufficient, it is downright …
2020 Children’s Budget Summit: Lawmakers and educators discuss continued decline in children’s share of federal spending
Michele Kayal | September 30, 2020 |
This year has delivered an unprecedented public health emergency and an economic crisis that has disrupted every facet of the lives of children and …
Children’s Budget 2020
| September 29, 2020 |
About Children’s Budget 20202: First Focus on Children is proud to introduce the 14th annual release of its signature Children’s Budget publication. While the …
Congress Must Act Quickly to Pass Additional Relief for Struggling Children and Families
Aubrey Edwards-Luce, Averi Pakulis, Bruce Lesley, Cara Baldari, Carrie Fitzgerald, Christopher Towner (Former Staff), Claire Williams, Conor Sasner, Michelle Dallafior, Olivia Gomez, First Focus Campaign for Children | August 10, 2020 |
Given recent spikes in COVID-19 caseloads, an economic crisis that continues to deepen, and an upcoming school year faced with daunting challenges, it is …