Our Priorities

We're shaping fair and equitable public policy for all of DC's children and youth to grow up safe, resilient, powerful, and heard.

With the support of individuals and private foundations, DC Action for Children uses research, data, and a lens toward race equity to break down barriers that stand in the way of all kids reaching their full potential. Our collaborative advocacy campaigns empower young people and all residents to raise their voices to create change.

Early Childhood

Learning begins at birth and continues throughout the lifespan. DC Action for Children works to eliminate disparities and strengthen our early childhood system so it can support families with young children from birth through age 5.

Child and Adolescent Health

Children and youth deserve quality, affordable, coordinated and culturally sensitive health services, mental health services and nutrition to learn, grow and thrive. DC Action for Children is the leading organization evaluating and working toward improvements in the District's comprehensive health services for children and youth.

Family Economic Security

Children and youth are particularly vulnerable when their families lack the income, assets, and access to consistently meet basic needs. These risks include low birth weight, poor health due to environmental factors, child abuse and neglect, and poor education outcomes. DC Action for Children's work focuses on promoting family self-sufficiency, school readiness and success, and community economic strength by increasing and strengthening access to family safety net programs, such as TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, EITC, and quality child care for low-income working families.

Youth and Civic Innovation

Exciting developments on the way!