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Reimagining Child Policy Through a Social Justice Lens

Vivian Tseng, President, Foundation for Child Development https://www.fcd-us.org/reimagining-child-policy-through-a-social-justice-lens/

Two years ago, the Foundation for Child Development’s Board and staff embarked on a journey to explore what it means to advance social justice for young children. Through deep dialogue with grantees, researchers, organizers, and peer foundations, we have shaped a new strategic framework—one rooted in community and committed to justice.

As our name suggests, our focus is child development. But it’s worth asking: who are today’s children?

  • One in two are children of color. 1
  • One in four live in immigrant families. 2
  • One in eight live in poverty — a number that may rise under recent federal policy decisions. 3

This is the future of our nation: diverse, resilient, and full of potential. To ensure that all children can grow into thriving, compassionate, joyful, and productive adults, we must confront the barriers of racism, xenophobia, and economic inequality that restrict opportunity.

We recognize that we do not have all the answers. That is why our framework reflects an emergent approach—one that emphasizes continuous learning and adaptation alongside communities, grantees, and partners. As conditions evolve, we will refine our strategies. What will not change is our steadfast commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Defining Priorities in Dialogue with Communities

Our framework begins with the belief that research, policy, and philanthropy must reflect the aspirations of the communities they intend to serve. We aim to move beyond paternalistic approaches imposed by funders, policymakers, or researchers, toward a vision of community self-determination.

  • Research should be shaped by community priorities and fuel the policy change families seek.
  • Policy should reflect families’ visions for thriving children and communities.
  • Philanthropy should align with communities’ pursuit of social justice for children.

When these sectors work in closer alignment with communities, child policy becomes more responsive, more democratic, and more deeply rooted in justice.

A Holistic View of Child Well-Being

Children’s lives are shaped across many interconnected systems. While early care, education, and maternal and infant health remain critical, children’s well-being is also influenced by immigration policy, public benefits, housing, and other forces too often absent from child policy conversations. Children live at the intersections of these systems — so must our work.

The Road Ahead

This framework is not a static plan but a living commitment. As we deepen partnerships and continue to learn, our vision remains clear: a world where every child can thrive, and where families have the power to shape the systems that affect their lives.

We invite you to join us on this journey toward justice for children.

Footnotes:

  1. The Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2024, July).Child population by race and ethnicity [Data table]. KIDS COUNT Data Center. Retrieved August 21, 2025
  2. The Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2024, July). Children in immigrant families in United States [Data table]. KIDS COUNT Data Center. Retrieved September 18, 2025
  3. Shrider, E. A. (2024, September). Poverty in the United States: 2023 (Current Population Reports, P60-283). U.S. Census Bureau. U.S. Government Publishing Office. Retrieved August 21, 2025