Our Members

Partnership members are leaders in their states and localities, providing evidence-based data and analysis, bringing together broad coalitions, and drawing on a multitude of skills and strategies to improve the policies and programs that strengthen children and their families. 

Members of the Partnership are:

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Multi-issue, recognizing the needs of the whole child and therefore advocating for children from cradle to adulthood.

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Independent, setting their own agendas based solely on what is best for children.

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Nonpartisan, providing rigorous, evidence-based data and analysis to all policymakers.

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Nonprofit, putting the needs of children and their families first.

Alabama

VOICES for Alabama’s Children

Rhonda Mann, Executive Director

In 2023, we published the 30th Edition of the Alabama Kids Count Data Book. As our organization rebuilds we are excited for the opportunities to continue to raise awareness of the issues facing our children. Legislative wins in 2023 added another $30 million investment in QRIS for quality child care and an additional $12 million investment in Alabama’s #1 rated First Class Pre-K.

Arizona

Children’s Action Alliance (AZ)

January Contreras, President and CEO

In 2023, Children’s Action Alliance celebrates 35 years working towards an Arizona where all children and families thrive.

Arkansas

Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families

Keesa Smith, Executive Director

Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families is a statewide, nonprofit child advocacy organization established in 1977. We work to ensure that all children and their families have the resources and opportunities to lead healthy and productive lives and to realize their full potential. We serve as a voice for children at the Arkansas State Capitol and in Washington, D.C.; gather and analyze data to support public policy that serves all children and families; and organize coalitions of diverse groups to drive change.

California

Children Now (CA)

Ted Lempert, President

Children Now is working to improve outcomes for all 13.5 million California children, prenatal to age 26, with the goal of ensuring that every child, especially kids of color, children in poverty, and children in the foster care system, grows up healthy, educated, safe, and ready for success in college, career, and civic life. We are transforming children’s advocacy by employing a game-changing, anti-racist, connector model to unite the diverse base supporting children and create a powerful, coordinated voice for kids. We coordinate the Children’s Movement of California, a unique network of over 5,400 diverse organizations.

Children’s Advocacy Institute (CA)

Robert C. Fellmeth, CAI Executive Director

The Children’s Advocacy Institute (CAI) is an academic, research, and advocacy organization working to strengthen the rights and improve the health, safety, and well-being of all children and youth, while educating current and future child advocates. In addition to having trained over 1,000 USD Law students to be effective child advocates, CAI has achieved meaningful reforms for children and youth at the state and federal levels through legislative and regulatory advocacy, impact litigation, and public education.

The Children’s Partnership (CA)

Mayra Alvarez, President

The Children’s Partnership (TCP) is a California advocacy organization advancing child health equity through research, policy and community engagement. We envision a California where all children – regardless of their race, ethnicity or place of birth – have the resources and opportunities they need to grow up healthy and thrive.

Colorado

Colorado Children’s Campaign

Heather Tritten, President and CEO

The Colorado Children’s Campaign is the leading voice for Colorado’s children. We advocate for the development and implementation of data-driven public policy that improves child well-being, with a focus on early childhood, family economic prosperity, youth success, and child and family health.

Connecticut

Connecticut Association for Human Services

John Merz, CEO of Advancing Connecticut Together

CAHS, a division of Advancing Connecticut Together, focuses on both policy and program development to move kids and families out of poverty. Our policy agenda is strongly informed by our program work and our more than 100 program partners.

Connecticut Voices for Children

Emily Byrne, Executive Director

Connecticut Voices for Children is a research and advocacy organization working in the state and nationally to advance economic justice. As researchers and advocates, we know that financial security for families, particularly families of color and especially Black and Latiné families in Connecticut, is primarily determined by the historically rooted and racist policies and practices that affect affordable housing, criminal and foster youth justice, fair employment, and tax equity, which is why we prioritize these intersectional issues.

Delaware

KIDS COUNT in Delaware

Janice Barlow, Director, KIDS COUNT in Delaware; Policy Scientist, Center for Community Research & Service, Biden School of Public Policy & Administration, University of Delaware

Devoted to improving the well-being on our state’s children, youth and their families, KIDS COUNT in Delaware has been using highly credible research, data collection and education to inform change on behalf of children for over 25 years. KIDS COUNT in Delaware is a collaborative effort of over forty organizations that is housed within the Center for Community Research & Service at the University of Delaware.

District of Columbia

DC Action

Kimberly Perry, Executive Director

At DC Action, we know the District’s young people can accomplish anything when they have a fair chance. And we also know how much stands in their way — particularly our young people most affected by poverty and racism. These are powerful injustices, and they must be met with an equally powerful response.

We’re uniting all those fighting on behalf of DC’s children and youth to pursue a single, shared vision for what it looks like to grow up in our city. Because, while childhood exists on a continuum from birth to adulthood, the systems, programs and organizations designed to support our children and youth are too often fragmented by age.

Together with our young people, parents and community partners, we’re advocating with one voice for public policies that support kids at every step from early childhood to early adulthood. We are stronger, louder and more effective together. And, whether we are focused on helping a toddler learn her letters or a young man pursue his professional passion, we share one goal: that all of DC’s children and youth grow up safe, resilient, powerful, and heard.

Florida

American Children’s Campaign (FL)

Roy Miller, President and Founder

At the state capitol and in communities across Florida, American Children’s Campaign is the leading nonpartisan voice for children — no matter their race, ethnicity, gender identity or place of birth. Since 1992, American Children’s Campaign has been at the forefront of policy wins for children.

Georgia

Voices for Georgia’s Children

Judy Fitzgerald, Executive Director

Voices for Georgia’s Children, founded in 2003, is the only comprehensive policy and advocacy organization committed to improving the lives of children in Georgia. Voices is comprised of insiders, conveners and experts. We are pragmatic, data-driven, nonpartisan, and focused on equitable, comprehensive policy solutions for Georgia’s children. Our work is framed in a holistic “whole child” perspective that allows us to identify how different policies impact children and to propose solutions that benefit children on multiple levels.

Hawaii

Hawai'i Children's Action Network

Deborah Zysman, Executive Director

Hawaii Children’s Action Network’s Senior Community Engagement Specialist often calls community meetings to order by singing children’s songs. 

Idaho

Idaho Voices for Children

Christine Tiddens, Executive Director

Idaho Voices for Children champions public policies that help kids and families thrive. We serve as a voice for children in policymaking conversations and drive change in the areas of health, child safety and well-being, school readiness, and family economic security.

Illinois

Children's Advocates for Change

Dr. Tasha Green Cruzat, President

Children’s Advocates for Change (CAFC) is an independent advocacy organization committed to the well-being of every Illinois child. We champion those policies and investments children need to be educated, healthy, and thrive.

Indiana

Marion County Commission on Youth (IN)

Elizabeth Coit, Executive Director

MCCOY’s motto is ALL YOUTH means ALL YOUTH. Our work is focused on assuring equitable supports, services, and opportunities for all youth so each can achieve the life they desire and deserve.

Iowa

Common Good Iowa

Anne Discher, Executive Director

Common Good Iowa celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019 and recently celebrated its 25th year as Iowa’s Kids Count organization.

Kansas

Kansas Action for Children

John Wilson, President

Kansas Action for Children’s mission is to shape health, education, and economic policy that will improve the lives of Kansas children and families. Since 1979, KAC has worked across the political spectrum to improve the lives of Kansas children through bipartisan advocacy, partnership, and information-sharing on key issues. KAC works with policymakers, local organizations, and fellow advocates to inform sound policy, foster collaboration, and promote an equitable tax system.

Kentucky

Kentucky Youth Advocates

Terry Brooks, Executive Director

Kentucky Youth Advocates is the independent voice for Kentucky kids. We advocate for policies that give all children the best possible opportunities for a brighter future and are making Kentucky the best place in America to be young.

Louisiana

Agenda for Children

Jennifer Roberts, Chief Executive Officer

Agenda for Children’s former CEO, Dr. Anthony Recasner, co-founded the first charter school in New Orleans.

Maine

Maine Children’s Alliance

Ashleigh Barker, Executive Director

The Maine Children’s Alliance advocates for sound public policies and promotes best practices to improve the lives of all Maine children, youth, and families. Since 1994, MCA has advanced the interests of children and families through legislative and administrative advocacy, data and research, and partnership and collaboration.

Michigan

Michigan’s Children

Matt Gillard, President and CEO

Michigan’s Children connects lawmakers directly to young people through their Kidspeak events that simulate legislative hearings and allow youth to set the agenda.

Voices for Children Advocacy Center

Claudnyse (Nyse) D. Holloman, President and CEO

Voices for Children, serving Genesee and Shiawassee counties, with locations in Flint and Owasso, Michigan, is a Child Advocacy Center serving as a voice and advocate for all children throughout the communities we serve. Voices for Children serves (1) child survivors of abuse and neglect and their families (including human trafficking), (2) with safety and prevention education, and (3) advocacy for the well-being of the whole child and for every child. Voices for Children is shining a light so all children are empowered, and all families are thriving.

Nebraska

Voices for Children in Nebraska

Juliet Summers, Executive Director

We envision a Nebraska with strong communities where every child has all they need to lead a healthy, secure, and fulfilling life.

Nevada

Children’s Advocacy Alliance

Holly Welborn, Executive Director

The Children’s Advocacy Alliance is an independent voice for Nevada children, advancing systemic change in the areas of early childhood education, children’s health, and child welfare. We achieve public policy wins through collaboration and collective impact within the community to ensure every child in Nevada thrives.

New Jersey

Advocates for Children of New Jersey

Mary Coogan, President/CEO

ACNJ is a statewide nonprofit child research and advocacy organization dedicated to advancing better laws and policies, and more effective programs and funding for children and their families so that every child has the chance to grow up safe, healthy and educated, able to reach his or her full potential. ACNJ’s Kidlaw Resource Center provides information and assistance regarding laws and legal processes impacting children and youth.
New York

Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York

Jennifer March, Executive Director

CCC was founded in 1944 by a group of New Yorkers, including Eleanor Roosevelt, who believed that every one had a role to play in making New York City a better place for children. CCC’s advocacy combines public policy research and data analysis with citizen action. We cast light on the issues, educate the public, engage allies, and identify and advocate for practical solutions to ensure that every New York City child is healthy, housed, educated and safe. At the heart of CCC’s fact-based advocacy is Keeping Track of New York City’s Children, the most comprehensive compilation of data on children at the municipal level.

Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy

Kate Breslin, President and CEO

Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy (SCAA) works to ensure that New York’s policies benefit everyone, not just those with money or power. Schuyler Center is a statewide, nonprofit, nonpartisan policy analysis and advocacy organization. Our advocacy and data analysis aims to shape policies to improve
health, welfare, and human services for all New Yorkers. We are especially focused on children and families impacted by poverty and inequity.

The Children’s Agenda

Larry Marx, Chief Executive Officer

The Children’s Agenda has more than 5,500 people in its Action Network. These individuals and organizations send messages to legislators at the city, county, state and federal levels to advocate for policies that support the well-being of children, especially those who are vulnerable due to poverty, racism, health inequities and trauma.

Westchester Children’s Association

Allison Lake, Executive Director

Westchester Children’s Association believes every child should be healthy, safe and prepared for life’s challenges regardless of race or zip code. Since 1914, our mission has been to improve the lives of Westchester’s young people by shaping policies and programs to meet their needs, and by keeping their well-being at the top of the public agenda.

North Carolina

NC Child

Erica Palmer Smith, Executive Director

NC Child advances public policies to ensure that every child in North Carolina has the opportunity to thrive – whatever their race, ethnicity, or place of birth.

Ohio

Ohio Children’s Alliance

Mark M. Mecum, Chief Executive Officer

Ohio’s oldest statewide child advocacy organization. Focused on empowering kids, strengthening families, and building a brighter future for Ohio.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy

Joe Dorman, Chief Executive Officer

OICA was established to create a strong advocacy network that would provide a voice for the needs of children and youth in Oklahoma, particularly those in the state’s care and those growing up amid poverty, violence, abuse and neglect, disparities, or other situations that put their lives and future at risk.

Oregon

Our Children Oregon

Danielle Klock, Interim Executive Director

Our Children Oregon is advancing equitable policymaking and whole-child advocacy to ensure our children and youth have what they need to thrive, regardless of their race, their place, their ability, or their identity. We envision an Oregon where each child is seen, nurtured, valued, and belongs.

Pennsylvania

Children First (PA)

Donna Cooper, Executive Director

Nearly 2.8 million children call Pennsylvania home, and Children First is working to make sure every one of those kids has the opportunity to thrive and learn in a healthy, supportive environment.

Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children

Kari King, President and CEO

Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children is an independent, nonpartisan, and trusted advocacy voice focused on improving the health, education, and well-being of every child in the commonwealth. Throughout our 30-year history, our public policy victories have helped countless children learn, thrive, and succeed in the areas of perinatal and children’s health, early care and education, child welfare, and K-12 education.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT

Paige Clausius-Parks, Executive Director

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is a statewide children’s policy organization that works to improve the health, safety, education, economic well-being, and development of Rhode Island’s children with a commitment to equity and the elimination of unacceptable disparities by race, ethnicity, disability, zip code, immigration status, neighborhood, and income. Since its inception in 1994, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT has focused on racial equity and closing unacceptable gaps by race and ethnicity. We recognize that persistent disparities by race and ethnicity result from historic, systemic, structural racism which must be dismantled in order to eliminate disparities, achieve equity, and provide equitable opportunities for all children, youth, and families to succeed.

South Carolina

Children’s Trust of South Carolina

Sue Williams, Chief Executive Officer

Children’s Trust leads South Carolina’s coordinated efforts for the Strengthening Families Program; Triple P (Positive Parenting Program); S.C. Adverse Childhood Experiences Initiative; Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting; Child Abuse Prevention Month; and KIDS COUNT. It is also the state representative for Children’s Trust Fund Alliance and Prevent Child Abuse America.

Tennessee

The Black Children’s Institute of Tennessee

Jaunita Veasy, Executive Director

The Black Children’s Institute of Tennessee, created in 1989, is the first and only statewide African American Child Advocacy Organization in the United States.

Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth

Richard Kennedy, Executive Director

The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth is an independent, nonpartisan agency established by the Tennessee General Assembly. Our primary goal is to ensure that the policies and programs of the state effectively promote and protect the health, well-being and development of children and youth.

Texas

Children At Risk (TX)

Bob Sanborn, President and CEO

CHILDREN AT RISK focuses on the whole child and has been working to improve the quality of life for Texas children for over 33 years through our research, collaboration, education, and advocacy initiatives.

Utah

Voices for Utah Children

Maurice “Moe” Hickey, Executive Director

Voices for Utah Children celebrated 35 years of speaking out on behalf of Utah Children in 2020.

Vermont

Voices for Vermont’s Children

Michelle Fay, Executive Director

For 40 years, Voices for Vermont’s Children has catalyzed public policy centering equity, justice, and the lived experience of Vermont Children and youth.

Virginia

Voices for Virginia’s Children

Rachael Deane, Chief Executive Officer

Voices for Virginia’s Children envisions a Virginia in which our systems center young people, ensuring their ability to realize their brightest potential is no longer predictable by race, socioeconomic status, or geography. We believe that when we actively place the needs of children in the center of our public policy debates, we create the conditions for entire families and communities to flourish.

Washington

Children’s Alliance

Dr. Stephan Blanford, Executive Director

Children’s Alliance scored a legislative victory in 2021 while leading a coalition of parents, providers and early learning advocates in securing $1 Billion in new investments to improve access and support child care providers. Then it scored a judicial victory in 2023 at the state Supreme Court, defending the constitutionality of the Capital Gains Tax that funds the initial investments. It is currently defending this funding source against those who would seek to repeal this funding source through a ballot initiative.

West Virginia

EveryChild NOW

Tricia Kingery, Executive Director

We’re building a better West Virginia — with a mission to help every child discover purpose and realize potential.

Wisconsin

Kids Forward

Michele Mackey, Chief Executive Officer

Kids Forward is a statewide antiracist policy center that inspires action and advocates for children and families of color and those furthest from opportunity in Wisconsin. We envision a Wisconsin where every child thrives. Using a research- and community-informed approach, we advocate for effective, long-lasting solutions that break down barriers to success for children and families.