Children’s Advocates for Change

We will not rest until every Illinois child has every opportunity to flourish – regardless of race, ethnicity, or zip code.

Children’s Advocates for Change is an independent advocacy organization committed to the well-being of every Illinois child. We champion those policies and investments children need so that they are educated, healthy, and thriving.

Fact-Driven Child Advocacy

Using a racial equity lens, we analyze the data to identify the roadblocks that stand in the way of our children. Driven by the facts, we advocate for policies, legislation, and funding needed to remove the roadblocks so every child can step into the future they deserve.

Dynamic Foundational Values

  • Independent: We are not constrained by alliances with government agencies or dependent on public funding.
  • Bi-Partisan: Engage successfully, with equal clarity, appeal, and urgency across the political spectrum.
  • Stability: Honor history while infusing new thinking and enhancing our culture of proactive creativity
  • Visionary: A society in which children have their material, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs met as institutional imperatives, not periodic hand-outs.
  • Relentless: Pursue essential and creative solutions with diligence, persistence, and empathy until every child can embrace the hope of a bright future

Caring for the Entire Child

Children may not have a vote, but they can be heard. Young people are impacted in multiple and varied ways through the policies set by adults. Through our collective efforts, we provide a strong, amplified voice to advocate for legislation that secures the opportunities our children need to step into the future they deserve.

Legislation that Works For Children

Children’s Immediate needs must be addressed. The data demonstrates the needs – whether it’s safety, medical care, education, housing, or recreational activities – children thrive when their basic needs are met.

More About Us

Latest News

From Our Blog

State Child Tax Credit Activity

State child tax credits, like the federal child tax credit, can have a positive impact on a child’s health, education, and even future earnings. (See prior blog post.) Illinois House and Senate members introduced legislation this year in…

The Case for a State Child Tax Credit

History of the Federal Child Tax Credit When first established in 1997, the federal child tax credit in 2016 had a maximum value of $1,000 for children 16 and under. An individual had to earn more than $3,000 and the credit value phased into…

Needing Just the Basics

Many Illinois households with children are just trying to pay the rent and put three full meals on the table. Even with government assistance, it remains a struggle for them. In 2021, nearly 1 in 6 Illinois (15.8%) children (or more than 440,000)…

Proposed Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget

Governor J.B. Pritzker presented his proposed Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) budget to the Illinois General Assembly with an emphasis on education and measures to address a state workforce shortage. The proposed budget of $49.6 billion in General…
More From Our Blog
From Twitter

From the President

"Our work is centered on the whole child, using a racial equity lens, which gets to the heart of the matter. Whether it is structural racism, discriminatory public policies, or lack of resources, our charge is to remove any barrier that keeps a child from reaching his or her highest potential."

– Dr. Tasha Green Cruzat

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Help Us Advocate for our Children

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OFFICE LOCATION

Children’s Advocates for Change
c/o Impact House
200 W. Madison Street, Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60606

Email: info@childrensadvocates.org
Main: 312-361-0101

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ASSOCIATIONS

Children’s Advocates for Change is a proud member the following networks:

Economic Analysis and Research Network

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Partnership for America’s Children

Notice of Non-Affiliation:
Children’s Advocates for Change is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way connected with Voices for Illinois Children (“Voices”). Voices is an independent advocacy organization that is powered by YWCA Metropolitan Chicago.