Ready by 21 Policy Networks

Coordinating Bodies in the U.S.

Denotes a state with a Children's Cabinet

View Coordinating Bodies in the U.S. in a larger map

Children's Cabinets are systematically changing the fragmented ways states do business for children and youth. Sometimes known as councils or commissions, Children's Cabinets are typically made up of the heads of all state government agencies with child- and youth-serving programs. They meet regularly to coordinate services, develop a common set of outcomes, and collaboratively decide upon and implement plans to foster the well-being of young people in their state.

The Children’s Cabinet Network, managed by the Forum, is the only national network of state policy coordinating bodies for children and youth (Children’s Cabinets, P-20 Councils, Early Childhood Advisory Councils). Members of the Network share best practices and learn more about tools that focus on bringing efficiency and effectiveness to state efforts that improve outcomes for young people.

The Children's Cabinet Network offers:

• monthly peer-to-peer conference calls on topics identified by Network members
• regular updates on federal funding opportunities
• publications on topics of interest to Children’s Cabinets
• technical assistance, meeting facilitation and coaching on projects like children’s budgets
• convenings, such as roundtable discussions, trainings and meetings with federal policymakers 

In addition, the Forum provides technical assistance to Children's Cabinets and related state policy coordinating bodies in various capacities. The Forum's areas of expertise include helping states to:

• create a Children's Cabinet
• develop common goals and shared data
• generate a statewide plan for all children and youth
• map a state's fiscal resources for young people

Want to learn more about Children's Cabinets? Thinking of creating a new one? Want to make an existing one even better? Check out our State Children's Cabinets and Councils Series!