First Focus Campaign for Children released its 2017 Champions Scorecard. In an attempt to recognize the lawmakers in the First Session of the 115th Congress who are actively working and trying to improve the lives of our nation’s children through public policy change, to improve the lives of our nation’s children through the policy process, we are pleased to present awards to 120 legislators who have made children a priority.

The 2017 Champions for Children Scorecard includes key votes on health-related bills and amendments to tax legislation, including two House votes on the Children’s Health Insurance Program, two Senate votes on child tax credit amendments, and four votes between the two chambers on the Affordable Care Act. Learn more and view the report at www.championsforchildren2017.com.

Thank legislators who put the needs of children over politics, and share this scorecard resource by using our social media kit.

View the kit.

Homelessness jeopardizes the health and well-being of record numbers of children and youth, putting future generations at risk of adult homelessness. Communities need to be able to use HUD Homeless Assistance funding more flexibly, effectively, and appropriately to meet the needs of children, youth, and families.

The Homeless Children and Youth Act of 2017 (H.R. 1511/S. 611) restores local decision-making and improves the ability of communities to meet the unique developmental needs of homeless children, youth, and families, which is the best long-term strategy to reduce all forms of homelessness. See our fact sheet and learn more about the bill.

A markup is nearing in the House of Representatives and we need your help to get children and families get the resources they need. Please contact your representatives--call (202) 224-3121 and ask them to support this important bill.

Use our call guide to contact your lawmakers and tell them to support the Homeless Children and Youth Act.

The First Focus Campaign for Children asked advocacy messaging expert and Emory University professor Dr. Drew Westen to offer messaging recommendations to effectively defend Medicaid and CHIP coverage for kids during tough political and fiscal times. The resulting memo offers research-informed strategies advocates can use to push back on the opposition and make the case for these critical investments in children's health. A companion memo from the Campaign for Children communications team offers practical examples of Dr. Westen's messaging concepts.

Advocacy messaging expert Dr. Drew Westen prepared a set of research-informed messages that children's advocates can use to defend against attacks on Medicaid and CHIP. This memo, by the Campaign for Children communications team, offers practical tips and real-world examples for implementing Dr. Westen's recommendations.

The First Focus Campaign for Children collaborated with messaging expert Dr. Drew Westen, to identify messages that effectively communicate the needs of America’s children in a way that will resonate with policymakers, media, and the public. This PowerPoint presentation outlines the results from our research and provides examples of effective messages.