AdvocatesforChildren

Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ) works to put children’s needs first. Giving every child a chance to grow up safe, healthy and educated.

[Start Strong NJ @StartStrongNJ]

On State of Affairs with @SteveAdubato, @SenatorAndyKim highlighted a reality that impacts families, businesses, and New Jersey’s economy every day: access to affordable child care is essential for parents to work and provide for their families.

[AdvocatesforChildren @ACNJforKids]

We are so excited to introduce ACNJ’s summer legal interns! Both bring incredible talent and passion to our advocacy work:

🔹 Chelsea (right) is a Deborah T. Poritz Summer Public Interest Legal Fellow @legalservicesofnewjersey. An NJ native and Union resident, Chelsea earned her Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Communication from Rutgers University and is now a rising 2L at Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University @haublawatpace, focusing on criminal and international law. Outside of law school, she loves hiking, hitting the gym, and spending time with her dogs, family, and friends! 🐾⛰️

🔹 Originally from Oak Ridge, Giovanna (left) is a Ramapo College @ramapocollegenj graduate and a rising 2L at Rutgers Law School @rutgers.law. Driven by a passion for social justice and desire to make a direct impact on her community, she’s already making waves as the Justice (President) of Phi Alpha Delta (Jackson Chapter) and an Associate Editor for the Women’s Rights Law Reporter! 📚⚖️

Join us in giving them a warm welcome in the comments! 👇✨

[AdvocatesforChildren @ACNJforKids]

🚨 Tomorrow at 10:30 AM! We're kicking off ACNJ’s first-ever monthly call on NJ #maternalhealth & #infanthealth. Register: https://t.co/LjpWoySsev
Our virtual session will focus on how holistic, culturally responsive care—from dad doulas and childbirth education to navigating housing, WIC, and SNAP—creates positive birth experiences for young parents ages 13-26. Plus, we'll dive into strategies that help young moms and dads continue their education, pursue vocational training, and enter the workforce.
#holisticcare #culturallyresponsivecare #birthexperience #parentingeducation #daddoula #childbirtheducation

[AdvocatesforChildren @ACNJforKids]

Investing in children means investing in stronger communities and a stronger future. The Annie E. Casey Foundation's 2026 KIDS COUNT® Data Book shows how child well-being varies across states and over time. While some states have made gains for kids since 2019, many continue to face setbacks — especially in education. Every state has strengths to build on and opportunities to do more for children and families. Visit https://t.co/pFJTtdgyYJ to explore the latest data and download the report.

[AdvocatesforChildren @ACNJforKids]

ACNJ is proud to announce that NJ has been selected as one of only ten states nationwide to participate in the Midwifery Policy Collective, a national initiative supporting state-led efforts to strengthen community birth systems and improve maternal health through policy and systems change.

The 15-month initiative will convene families, midwives, doulas, physicians, hospitals, birth centers, public health leaders, researchers, educators, advocates, and policymakers around a shared vision: ensuring that every family in New Jersey has access to safe, respectful, high-quality maternity care and a full range of evidence-based birth options. https://t.co/kPpLhESsag
#MaternalHealth #MaternityCare #NJMidwifery #SafeBirthingOptions #HealthcareAdvocacy

[AdvocatesforChildren @ACNJforKids]

Register: https://t.co/LjpWoySsev
Join ACNJ’s monthly 10:30 AM Call focused on maternal and infant health across New Jersey. These conversations bring together advocates, providers, policymakers, and community partners to share updates, insights, and opportunities for collaboration on the issues impacting pregnant people, infants, and families. Our first call starts on Thursday, June 25!

[AdvocatesforChildren @ACNJforKids]

Fathers want to be involved—so why do so many systems leave them out? Join our virtual discussions happening TODAY (6/16) at 2PM and TOMORROW AT 12PM. Read our guest blog where Michael Cupeles, father of four and Male Initiative Coordinator for Gateway Community Action Partnership, shares his thoughts on how our systems have failed fathers and what we can do about it. https://t.co/nXRnWszQvr

[AdvocatesforChildren @ACNJforKids]

Meet our newest board members: https://t.co/CMA8R3LKWu. ACNJ recently welcomed four new members to serve on our Board of Trustees. Each brings a unique perspective, talents, and skills to furthering our work to improve the lives of all New Jersey children.

[AdvocatesforChildren @ACNJforKids]

Read the report: https://t.co/NZolC0xeLS. How are children and families faring in New Jersey? Do these rankings reflect your lived experiences in the Garden State? The recently released 2026 #KIDSCOUNT Data Book from our partner @annieecaseyfdn uses trusted national and state data to measure child well-being across four domains: economic well-being, education, health and family and community factors.

[AdvocatesforChildren @ACNJforKids]

The National #KidsCourt report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation ranks #NJ first in education but 6 out of 10 fourth graders are not reading at grade level and 6 our 10 eighth graders are not proficient in math. https://t.co/CXgfFS7xVP

[AdvocatesforChildren @ACNJforKids]

To learn more/register: https://t.co/XJxBG2znH6
Starting Tuesday, we're celebrating dads all week long! Join us for two engaging webinars focused on supporting fatherhood. Share with dads in your network!

[AdvocatesforChildren @ACNJforKids]

Register here: https://t.co/2T9BuK6PVa
Attention #EarlyEd professionals! The New Jersey Department of Education will hold three public hearings to receive comments on the draft revisions to the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards. We encourage all early childhood professionals to participate in this important process to share their input as experienced leaders in the field who do this hands-on work with children and teachers every day. It is their chance to have a lasting impact on the growth and development of young children by informing our state standards, requirements, and expectations.

[AdvocatesforChildren @ACNJforKids]

Mark your calendars for ACNJ’s 11th Annual Breakfast! This year, we are celebrating at a new location: Pines Manor in Edison, NJ. Our featured panel discussion —"We’re Here Too! Recognizing the Critical Role of Fathers" — promises to be a powerful and necessary conversation centering the vital impact fathers have on our children, families, and communities.
Registration details coming soon!
🗓️ Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2026
🕗 Time: 8:00 AM
📍 Location: Pines Manor, Edison, NJ

[AdvocatesforChildren @ACNJforKids]

What do the data tell us about how children and families are faring in New Jersey? The 2026 #KIDSCOUNT Data Book uses trusted data to show where kids are making progress — and where challenges persist — across four domains: economic well-being, education, health and family and community. Visit https://t.co/HXsakINtzt to explore the latest data.

[AdvocatesforChildren @ACNJforKids]

Register now: https://t.co/i1yMAXnDtX
On Tuesday, 6/16, join ACNJ for an honest conversation with fathers from diverse backgrounds as they share the moments that have shaped them, the challenges they have faced, and the lessons they continue to learn. @NJDCF

[AdvocatesforChildren @ACNJforKids]

As part of ACNJ’s Spring Appeal, we’re sharing a powerful reminder from ACNJ Board Chair Jennifer Robinson about why our independent voice matters. Please consider making a gift today: https://t.co/6pIWQHwquf #SpringAppeal #MakeADifference #SupportNonprofits #CharityGiving

[AdvocatesforChildren @ACNJforKids]

Check out our new vodcast channel! https://t.co/T1abfuRWSW

[Let's Talk Kids @LTK_ACNJ]

Welcome to LET’S TALK KIDS - a brand new podcast featuring conversations with organizations, policymakers about helping give every child a chance to grow up safe, healthy, and educated!

Click the link below for more:
https://t.co/dqvEJNDjF3

[AdvocatesforChildren @ACNJforKids]

“Keeping our babies clean and healthy with an adequate supply of diapers is an enormous challenge.”

Former Asw. Shavonda Sumter (Pres/CEO of Children's Aid and Family Services)
highlighted the growing diaper need crisis facing NJ families. Nearly half of U.S. families report struggling to afford diapers — yet SNAP and WIC cannot be used to purchase them.

No parent should have to choose between diapers and other essentials.

Explore the full Kids Count County Pocket Guide by visiting https://t.co/EAiVQ4WnVB

#KidsCount #NJKidsCount #ForNJKids #DiaperNeed #NJFamilies

[AdvocatesforChildren @ACNJforKids]

Today is Primary Election Day in New Jersey!
Polls are open until 8:00 PM.
Vote at your assigned polling place or return your completed Vote‑By‑Mail ballot. Visit https://t.co/wl1r5HneiM for your polling location, or https://t.co/42N8U0QBO9 for Vote-By-Mail instructions. #GOTV #ElectionDay #GOTVNJ #PrimaryDay

[AdvocatesforChildren @ACNJforKids]

Introducing the #Newark Future Policymakers Class of 2026 — a group of passionate, driven individuals dedicated to turning ideas into action to improve outcomes for the city's residents. Thank you Kaleena Berryman for your leadership in cultivating in young minds! Learn more: https://t.co/8IbQBbpGWm
#YouthLeadership #NewarkStrong #CivicYouth