White House Conference on Children

Exchange Strategic Partner, the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA), is leading a campaign to reestablish the White House Conference on Children and Youth. Starting in 1909 through 1970 a White House Conference on Children took place every ten years. According to CWLA, these conferences made significant contributions to national, state, and local policies impacting children and youth. In urging the new President to convene a White House Conference on Children and Youth in 2010, CWLA observes:

"The White House Conference is a way for citizens nation-wide to become engaged in determining and recommending to the national government and their communities the best ways to improve the well-being of America's children.... State and local events would include experts on health, education, mental health, and other vital community resources. The events would convene tribal governments and leaders, local advocates and judges, as well as people most affected — families, children, and youth. All would participate in a national dialogue, develop recommendations, and commit to improving the lives of our most vulnerable children and families."