An Evening To Remember

On December 5th, the brightest stars in Hollywood joined Children's Defense Fund Founder and President Marian Wright Edelman at the 23rd Annual CDF Beat the Odds Awards Gala to honor the achievements of five outstanding high school seniors who have overcome adversity to excel in school and as leaders in their communities.

Alezaihvia, Jerry, Marilyn, Alexis, and Stephanie, each of whom were selected as finalists for the CDF Beat the Odds Scholarship Program, brought the packed room to its feet with their harrowing struggles to triumph over homelessness, abuse, and neglect to become all star students, athletes, and role models.

We are now accepting applications for the 2014 CDF Beat the Odds Scholarship Program. Learn how to nominate a high school sophomore.

Dismantling the Cradle to Prison Pipeline in California

On December 6th, we hosted an energizing and interactive child policy convening in downtown Los Angeles to plan the next steps in dismantling the pernicious pipeline that pushes too many of our brightest minds from school and into the criminal justice system.

Panels of youth advocates, faith leaders, elected officials, and community organizers shared their stories and lessons learned in their efforts to address the crisis of poverty, violence, and hopelessness that arrests the healthy development of our most vulnerable young people. And breakout sessions provided attendees the opportunity to huddle together and establish action plans for raising the voice of youth on the state wide and local level. 

Continue the conversation started at the convening by your sharing thoughts, insights, and ideas with us on Twitter at @cdfca #DismantleIt

Stay up to date on our on-going efforts to dismantle the cradle to prison pipeline in the state by visiting our policy priorities page.

Bringing Justice to Juvenile Justice

“Reforming the Nation’s Largest Juvenile Justice System," a new policy brief co-released by researchers from Children's Defense Fund-California and UCLA Luskin School of Social Affairs, offers the most complete account of the Camp Kilpatrick Replacement Project, Los Angeles County’s forward-thinking project to overhaul juvenile justice probation camps in the county.

The brief underscores the urgent need for systemic reform by documenting the many obstacles that have stymied attempts to address the misconduct and abuse that occurs in the camps. The brief also identifies key recommendations to ensure that the replacement project becomes a model for juvenile justice that provides incarcerated youth with everything they need to rehabilitate and make it back to their communities – where they belong.

Download the policy brief and infographic and read news coverage » 

The Gift of Health Care

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, millions more California children and families can now obtain affordable, comprehensive health coverage. Covered California is the new health insurance marketplace where Californians can purchase health coverage. Financial assistance is available to many families. For example, a family of four making up to $94,200 a year may be eligible for financial assistance.

Many children are eligible for no or low-cost health coverage through Medi-Cal but not yet enrolled. Children in a family of four earning up to $58,875 a year may qualify. And now, more parents and adults are eligible for Medi-Cal.

Apply online at www.coveredca.com. For more information or assistance, call 1 (800) 300-1506.

Please help spread the word to families in your community by sharing resources from the ALL IN Campaign.