Influencing U.S. Government Policy

ChildFund is embarking on two significant initiatives uniting child-focused groups to 1) help shape new policies on Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children (OSEAC) and 2) transform foreign policy to address the whole child’s needs rather than applying separate, sector-specific approaches.

Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children (OSEAC) U.S. Advocacy Initiative

Over the past couple of years, ChildFund has been increasing its efforts to prevent and respond to the online sexual exploitation and abuse of children (OSEAC), a devastating crime that has long-term negative impacts on child survivors. To support these efforts, ChildFund received an exciting opportunity to lead the formation of an advocacy coalition to develop comprehensive, unified policy asks that call for improved U.S. government policy to prevent and address OSEAC.

To achieve this, we plan to partner with other child-focused organizations to raise OSEAC’s visibility within U.S. government-focused advocacy coalitions and create momentum within the child rights and child welfare community to identify policy gaps and develop a unified policy agenda that centers the best interests of children. We look forward to forging new partnerships and collaborating with likeminded organizations to develop stronger policy to bring an end to OSEAC.

Zsania (10) and her mother, Lizeth, live in a crowded slum in Manila, Philippines.

“Whole Child, Whole Future” U.S. Advocacy Initiative

In December, ChildFund received an opportunity to lead an effort with other child-focused organizations to influence President Biden’s and Vice President Harris’ administration and Congress to prioritize children and youth in U.S. foreign policy. Together, we are calling on lawmakers to apply a “whole child” focus to global children’s and youth issues and encourage collaboration among government agencies and across sectors.

To kick off our efforts, we met with the Biden administration’s Transition Team to discuss key priorities, including the need for increased funding for global children’s issues and for a senior-level leadership position within the administration to ensure effective cross-departmental coordination.

We also worked with peer organizations to draft a Transition Memo outlining and elaborating on these priorities, which was sent to the Biden administration for their consideration. Throughout 2021 and 2022, we will continue to work with our partners to engage the administration and advocate for these priorities to be realized.

In Zambia, Roslyn and her daughter, Rose (3), participated in a ChildFund project that helped caregivers understand and promote their youngest children's holistic development.