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

Last week, we joined other advocates in Albany to call on our lawmakers to implement reforms to the Statewide Central Registry (SCR).   The SCR plays a crucial role in determining which reports lead to investigations within the family policing system. In 2022, 76% of reports of child abuse or neglect were unfounded in New York City (Narrowing the Front Door). This means that thousands of children and their caregivers are being subjected to unnecessary, intrusive investigations that cause families immense stress and trauma.   Children and families are being harmed, and the SCR urgently needs reform. We are calling for greater transparency and accountability. Currently, the SCR allows for reports that may be malicious, based on false information, or that don’t meet New York’s criteria - leading to far too many families, often families of color, being pulled into the family policing system.   Children’s Rights is proud to stand with our partners and lived experts in calling for changes that will lead to a fairer, more just system that better safeguards children and their families.

Only 2 weeks are left to buy your tickets for the Children’s Rights Benefit on October 29 at the Mandarin Oriental in NYC! This inspiring evening will showcase the incredible impact our community makes in the lives of children. Children’s rights are human rights, but they can’t advocate alone. It’s up to us to ensure they have the childhoods they deserve. Can’t attend? Please consider making a gift to further our vital work defending kids and families. Join us in making an impact! Purchase your tickets: https://lnkd.in/esih3guG Donate today: https://lnkd.in/ex_nx2BK

Mark your calendars for October 23rd and join or own Shereen White for the season premiere of Torn: A Podcast about the Racial Disparities in the Child Welfare System Tune in as Shereen and Kelis Houston Founder of Village Arms, confront the urgent need to name and to dismantle institutional racism in the child welfare system. They will share actionable strategies to drive real change by centering families and ensuring they can stay together. Don’t miss this powerful conversation!

National Coming Out Day is a celebration of the vibrant spectrum of identities and a reminder that you are valid no matter where you are in your journey or how you choose to express your identity. For some, it may not yet feel safe or possible to be out, and that's okay. Your journey is your own, and there is no timeline. Today, we uplift and support every LGBTQ+ person, whether you're out, not ready, or still figuring things out. Check out the words of love and affirmation from the Children’s Rights community to LGBTQ+ youth, and remember—you are never alone. Click the link to see The Coming Out Handbook from The Trevor Project: https://lnkd.in/gE5qDHd5

Today, on World Mental Health Day, we come together to shine a light on the vital importance of mental health. The right to mental health is a human right. Together, we must continue to advocate for a world where mental health is no longer stigmatized, and where every child has access to the mental health resources they deserve. #WorldMentalHealthDay

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