Children's Defense Fund-California advances policies that ensure a more level playing field for all California children and dismantle the Cradle to Prison Pipeline.

Ensuring Access to Quality Health Coverage and Care

In California, there are over one million uninsured children and two out of three uninsured children are currently eligible for public health coverage programs but are not enrolled. CDF-CA advocates for policies that ensure that California children, regardless of their immigration status, race, ethnicity or family’s income, have the affordable, comprehensive health coverage they need to grow up healthy and strong. Children with health coverage have better access to needed health care services, live healthier lives, and perform better in school. Learn more about Child Health »

Reforming Juvenile Justice

Despite declines in juvenile confinement over the last decade, California still has the 10th highest rate of juvenile incarceration in the nation and the fifth highest White-Black racial disparity: Black children are incarcerated at 8.5 times the rate of White children. CDF-CA advocates for a juvenile justice system that is designed to rehabilitate children and support their healthy transition into adulthood. Learn more about Juvenile Justice »

Addressing Zero Tolerance School Discipline Policies

Harsh and unjust school discipline policies and practices are pushing children and youth out of school and putting them at higher risk of entering the juvenile justice system. CDF-CA advocates for policy and systems change on a statewide and local level to prevent school push out and create positive school environments. Learn more about Dismantling the School to Prison Pipeline »

Protecting Children in the State Budget

The state budget is an important moral statement of what we value as a state and where our priorities lie. CDF-CA advocates for investments in health care, education, quality child care, nutritious food and other programs that help create a level playing field for all children. Visit our Children's State Budget Watch »