Children can’t vote. They have no political influence. They can’t tell our state leaders what they need. That’s why we’re here.
Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ) works with local, state and federal leaders to identify and implement changes that will benefit New Jersey’s children.
Our work results in better laws and policies, more effective funding and stronger services for children and families. This means more children are given the chance to grow up safe, healthy and educated.
A cornerstone of ACNJ's success is its independence. We are strictly non-partisan and accept no government funding for advocacy, freeing us to focus on our sole mission - helping children.
- We Inform. ACNJ researches issues and produces nationally-acclaimed reports to inform policymakers and the public and to advance solutions. Our NJ KIDS COUNT data on child well-being provides critical information to help informed decision-making leads to smarter choices that help more children.
- We Advocate. ACNJ works closely with state and federal lawmakers and policymakers to bolster their understanding and response to the needs of children and families.
- We Build Coalitions. We bring together groups of professionals to develop better practices and quality programs. And we build coalitions of concerned residents who share a commitment to improving the lives of children and families.
- We Equip Caregivers. Through ACNJ’s KidLaw Resource Center, thousands of parents, caregivers and professionals gain the information they need to be their child’s strongest ally and advocate.
- We Elevate Children’s Voices. With the help of ACNJ, thousands of children have had their concerns, thoughts and visions shared with lawmakers, governors and other state leaders, giving them a say in the decisions that drive their future.
Advocates for Children of New Jersey’s roots grew out of some of the earliest efforts in New Jersey to protect abused and abandoned children. Originally called the Association for Children, ACNJ is part of an evolution that began in 1847, when the Newark Orphan Asylum was established. Over the years, other child-related organizations were created to care for orphans, children living in foster care and children in troubled families. In 1978, two of those groups – the Citizens Committee for Children and Child Service Association – merged to form what was then called the Association for Children of New Jersey. ACNJ officially changed its name in July 2010.
Since its founding, ACNJ has become the best-known, most respected research and advocacy group for children in the state with a reputation beyond New Jersey’s borders.
By the numbers in 2025:
- 29,000+ reached through our #NJVotes4Kids social media campaign, educating candidates and mobilizing voters to make children a priority in the gubernatorial and state assembly elections.
- 2,400+ petition signatures shared with New Jersey’s congressional delegation opposing federal cuts to Medicaid.
- 860+ engaged in ACNJ's monthly Lunch and Learns, exploring policy topics that impact children and families.
- 600+ attended ACNJ's immigration webinar to better understand policy changes and ensure child care settings remain safe and welcoming for all families.
- 400+ families received assistance navigating education and child protection challenges through our KidLaw Resource Center.
- 304 school districts now provide full-day public preschool, and this year's proposed licensing and legislative changes will enable even more child care centers to partner with public schools—paving the way for thousands of additional 3- and 4-year-olds to access quality early education.
