Connecticut Voices for Children

Our Mission

We provide trusted, quality research, recommendations and advocacy that advance public policy and investments to improve the well-being of Connecticut’s children and families, specifically those that have been historically disadvantaged.

At Connecticut Voices for Children (CT Voices), we believe that every policy and every funding decision should lead us closer to the future we want, which is a just society where all children are able to reach their full potential.

As researchers and advocates, we know that financial security for families of color, particularly Black and Latiné families in Connecticut, is primarily determined by the historically rooted policies and practices that affect affordable housing, criminal and foster youth justice, fair employment, and tax equity. Our advocacy builds power with communities through deep organizing and broad partnership with values aligned coalitions, because sustained systems change requires turning moments to movements.

We envision a Connecticut that creates opportunity for everyone, not just the lucky and privileged few, where all children achieve their full potential. Our strategic aim is toward economic justice and we prioritize issues that advance family economic security.

Specifically, we promote: *tax reform including tax credit policies that lift-up low- and middle-income families as well as progressive revenue to fund critical supports and services; *land-use and zoning reforms that dismantle our history of redlining, protect tenants and provide rental assistance as well as rehabilitate existing and develop new affordable housing; *reforms to the foster care and criminal legal systems that keep families together, provide opportunities for young people as well as reinvest in urban centers; and *universal access to high-quality early care that provides dignified wages and paid sick days to educators as well as access to and pay caps for families.