children – Page 5 – Stepping Stones Center

October 28, 2026· Child Welfare and Advocacy

Children’s Defense Fund-California to Convene Youth Leaders and Policy Experts for Child Watch 2026 in Downtown Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA — This Thursday, September 24, 2026, the Children’s Defense Fund-California (CDF-CA) will host its annual Child Watch event at The Honeypot in Downtown Los Angeles, bringing together a coalition of young people, policymakers, and community leaders. The prominent gathering is designed to explore bold, actionable solutions to the most pressing challenges facing…

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October 28, 2026· Child Development

New Study Reveals Distinct Developmental Patterns in How Autistic Brains Process Faces

A major new study has uncovered fundamental differences in how the brains of autistic children perceive and process human faces, providing the most comprehensive evidence to date regarding the neurological underpinnings of social perception in autism. Published in the journal Nature Mental Health, the research offers a paradigm shift in how scientists understand the developmental…

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October 28, 2026· Child Welfare and Advocacy

CDF-Ohio, Ohio Legislative Children’s Caucus to Discuss Doula Medicaid Reimbursement Program

COLUMBUS, OH — As communities across the state and nation observe National Infant Mortality Awareness Month this September, state leaders, maternal health advocates, and frontline birth workers are turning their attention toward innovative policy solutions designed to protect the health and wellbeing of mothers and newborns. In recognition of this critical observance, the Ohio Legislative…

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October 27, 2026· Child Development

Healthy Habits May Boost Mental Resilience by Strengthening Psychological Flexibility, Study Finds

In an era defined by rapid change and high-pressure environments, the ability to recover from setbacks—often termed resilience—has become a vital trait for success and well-being. While many people attribute this capacity to bounce back to innate personality traits, new research from Binghamton University suggests that the foundation of a resilient mind may be rooted…

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October 27, 2026· Child Development

Beyond the Turing Test: Why Humans Still Draw a Hard Line on AI Consciousness

As artificial intelligence systems grow increasingly sophisticated, the lines between human interaction and machine processing are blurring at an unprecedented rate. Modern AI models are now capable of misleading users, collaborating on complex tasks, and seemingly pursuing independent goals with a level of proficiency that was once the domain of science fiction. These behaviors often…

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October 27, 2026· Pediatric Healthcare

Netherlands and WHO Renew Strategic Alliance to Combat the Health Impacts of Climate Change

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Kingdom of the Netherlands have formally announced the renewal of their strategic partnership, signaling a deepened commitment to addressing the intensifying intersection of climate change and global public health. This renewed cooperation, underpinned by a fresh allocation of €500,000 for 2024, is designed to bolster global climate resilience…

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October 27, 2026· Child Welfare and Advocacy

Children’s Defense Fund-California Set to Host Long Beach Advocacy Forum Highlighting a Decade of Educational Equity Work

LONG BEACH, CA — (Sept. 30, 2026) — The Children’s Defense Fund-California (CDF-CA) is preparing to host a significant community gathering this Friday, bringing together local families, youth advocates, and educational stakeholders for an afternoon dedicated to civic engagement, systemic reform, and community empowerment. Titled “Rising Together: A Parent and Community Advocacy Forum on the…

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October 27, 2026· Child Development

Yale Researchers Uncover How Stress Hormones Fine-Tune the Brain for Emotional Memory

Stress is a universal human experience, often viewed primarily as a disruptive force that clouds judgment or hinders performance. However, for years, neuroscientists have suspected that stress serves a more nuanced, evolutionary purpose. It is well-documented that the physiological "fight or flight" response—driven by a cascade of hormones, most notably cortisol—can dramatically alter the way…

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October 27, 2026· Child Welfare and Advocacy

Children’s Defense Fund to Honor Philanthropists Liz and Don Thompson with Its Highest Honor, the Marian Wright Edelman Advocate for Joy Award

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In November 2026, the national child advocacy organization Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) will host “A National Celebration of Joy,” a premier gala established to honor changemakers and youth advocates while celebrating the powerful partnerships that drive its ongoing mission for children across the United States. The high-profile event, scheduled to take place…

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October 26, 2026· Child Development

Decoding the Brain’s Internal Clock: How Sleep and Growth Hormone Orchestrate Our Biology

A good night’s sleep is often described as the foundation of health, but for years, the biological mechanisms that turn rest into physical restoration remained somewhat mysterious. Beyond the subjective feeling of being "refreshed," deep sleep serves as a vital physiological engine. During these restorative hours, the body initiates the release of growth hormone—a potent…

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