Programme

United States of America

Child Friendly Cities Initiative

On Aug. 12, 2020, International Youth Day, UNICEF USA launched the Child Friendly Cities Initiative in the United States. Boulder, Colorado; Decatur, Georgia; Houston, Texas; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Prince George's County, Maryland and Alton, Illinois represent the first cohort to partner with UNICEF USA to implement an ambitious, multi-year process toward recognition as a UNICEF Child Friendly City or County. Following the five-year anniversary of UNICEF USA launching the CFCI pilot in the United States, Denver, Colorado, El Paso, Texas, and Salem, Massachusetts represent the first post-pilot cohort.

In pursuit of recognition as a Child Friendly City or County, government officials and community leaders, including children and youth in partner communities have to conduct a situation analysis of child well-being in each city/county. Based on these findings, and intergenerational action planning, they will implement an action plan that prioritizes the best interests of children and youth within their local policies. Once the plan has been implemented, the city will undergo an independent evaluation of the plan’s implementation in order to receive recognition as a UNICEF Child Friendly City. As the CFCI framework is established and implemented, communities are improved, neighborhoods become safer, schools and health systems function better, and infrastructure is strengthened for all citizens.

This initiative draws on the strengths of existing local efforts across the United States to improve child well-being, while bringing to bear UNICEF USA’s ability to provide child rights expertise, convening power, research capabilities, a globally recognized brand, and a diverse network of dedicated volunteers to build a non-partisan movement in the U.S. to secure the rights of every child to a safe, healthy and happy childhood.

UNICEF USA facilitates ongoing collaboration and exchange among a cohort of CFCI municipal partners and other engaged municipalities through monthly CFCI Collaborative meetings and ongoing exchange among local leaders putting child rights into action in their communities.

On Aug. 9, 2023, upon the three-year anniversary of the CFCI launch in the U.S., Houston became the first recognized UNICEF Child Friendly City in the United States. On February 14, 2024, Houston joined Minneapolis as the second city to receive recognition as a UNICEF Child Friendly City in the United States. On March 21, 2025, Decatur was recognized as the United States’ third UNICEF Child Friendly City.