What's Happening?
Joy Reid, host of The Joy Reid Show, is set to host the opening plenary of the 2026 American Youth Policy Forum, powered by the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF). This two-day convening, held at Howard University in Washington, D.C., immediately follows the 2026 midterm
elections. Reid will lead a panel of child well-being and advocacy experts to analyze the election results and their implications for federal and state youth policy. The forum aims to identify key risks and opportunities for advocates in the upcoming Congress. Additionally, the event will feature a snapshot release from the forthcoming 2026 State of America’s Children® Report, which details the status of American children across various aspects of well-being, including poverty, health, education, and youth justice. According to CDF Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Brittany Packnett Cunningham, the organization seeks to provide participants with a clear understanding of the political landscape and its future impact on young people.
Why It's Important?
This forum is crucial for understanding how political decisions directly affect the 73 million children in the United States. The analysis of midterm election results by leading experts will highlight potential shifts in federal and state policies concerning child welfare. Discussions will cover critical areas such as public education, public health systems, and the impact of potential weakening of the Department of Education. Furthermore, the forum will address how attacks on essential safety net programs like Head Start, SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid could exacerbate challenges in food security, health, and early childhood support. The insights gained from this event will be vital for child advocates, policymakers, and organizations working to protect and improve the lives of young people, offering strategies to navigate policy changes and ensure children's well-being remains a priority.
What's Next?
Following the forum, the Children's Defense Fund and participating advocates will likely use the insights and strategies developed to engage with the newly elected Congress and state legislatures. The release of the 2026 State of America’s Children® Report snapshot will provide data-driven evidence to support advocacy efforts. The discussions on policy issues shaping children's health, education, and economic mobility are expected to inform future legislative agendas and public awareness campaigns. Organizations like CDF will continue to hold leaders accountable for policies and programs affecting young people, aiming to prevent the undoing of progress and to shape policies that protect children's futures. The forum serves as a call to action for advocates to move from uncertainty to concrete strategies in the post-midterm political environment.
