rights – Page 11 – Stepping Stones Center

September 21, 2026· Neurodiversity

Living Life in "Hard Mode": The Fight for Autistic Culture, Rights-Centric Education, and the Blind Spots of Modern Policy

In the current edition of the Aotearoa New Zealand Autism Guideline, the existence of Autistic culture is not mentioned with a single word. Despite major updates that reflect a growing awareness of neurodiversity—including ongoing advocacy toward a comprehensive ban on Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and related forms of conversion therapy—understanding Autistic people and Autistic culture…

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September 21, 2026· Child Welfare and Advocacy

Children’s Defense Fund-California Releases Blueprint Document Highlighting a Decade of Grassroots Advocacy and Youth Empowerment in Long Beach

LONG BEACH, CA — In a milestone moment for regional child advocacy, the Children’s Defense Fund-California (CDF-CA) is releasing a comprehensive new report examining a decade of grassroots organizing, policy victories, and community-driven strategies designed to elevate the well-being of youth and families in Long Beach. The publication, titled “Rooted in Community, Rising Together: A…

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September 20, 2026· Child Welfare and Advocacy

Children’s Defense Fund President Brings National Youth Mental Health Listening Tour to Baltimore

BALTIMORE, MD — On Monday, Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, president and CEO of the national youth advocacy organization Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), will visit Baltimore to hear directly from children, families, and community members about the pressing mental health challenges they face, as well as the local solutions they envision for a healthier future. The…

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September 20, 2026· Child Welfare and Advocacy

Children’s Defense Fund Urges Federal Leaders to Protect Head Start Amid Administration’s Proposed Overhaul

WASHINGTON, DC — The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), a leading national youth advocacy organization, has issued an urgent call to federal leaders to preserve and protect Head Start, the landmark early learning and health services program that has supported American families for more than six decades. The defense of the program comes in response to…

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September 20, 2026· Child Welfare and Advocacy

Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota Honors Local Changemakers at Annual "Celebration of Joy" Event

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota (CDF-MN), the local branch of the renowned national child advocacy organization, is set to host its annual "A Celebration of Joy" event. This gathering is designed to honor remarkable Minnesota changemakers while simultaneously uplifting the broader community and reflecting a spirit of profound hope, resilience, and collective action…

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September 19, 2026· Child Welfare and Advocacy

CDF Opposes Federal Proposal That Would Allow Contractors to Body Search Unaccompanied, Detained Youth

The federal policy change, which was officially entered into the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement on June 26, has sparked intense alarm among child welfare advocates. According to the Children’s Defense Fund, the proposed rule threatens to fundamentally alter the system established to care…

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September 15, 2026· Child Welfare and Advocacy

Children’s Defense Fund Appoints Nick Vucic as National Director of Public Affairs

Washington, DC — The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), recognized as the nation’s sole multi-issue advocacy organization operating at the critical intersection of child well-being and racial justice, has officially announced the appointment of Nick Vucic to its esteemed National Leadership Team. In his new role, Vucic will serve as the organization’s National Director of Public…

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September 15, 2026· Child Welfare and Advocacy

Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio to Honor Three Statewide Changemakers at Annual ‘Celebration of Joy’ Event

COLUMBUS, OH — The Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio (CDF-OH), a prominent local affiliate of the national child advocacy organization, is preparing to host its highly anticipated annual gathering, “A Celebration of Joy.” Scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2026, the event aims to recognize extraordinary Ohio changemakers, uplift local communities, and foster a collective spirit of hope,…

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September 15, 2026· Child Welfare and Advocacy

Children’s Defense Fund-Texas and Local Advocates to Host ‘Free Families’ Community Meeting in Austin to Address ICE Enforcement Impacts

AUSTIN, TX — As immigration enforcement practices continue to generate widespread anxiety and disruption across Texas, local advocacy groups are stepping up efforts to support affected communities. On Thursday, the Children’s Defense Fund-Texas (CDF-TX) alongside the Immigrant Services Network of Austin (ISNA)—a coalition of diverse community stakeholders and immigrant service providers—will host a prominent community…

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