Shaylynn testifies on adequately funding child care (CCAP) addressing the childcare workforce shortage mental health services via NJ4S, and the Fatherhood Experiences Survey (NJFES) to support maternal health and families. TO: Members of the Assembly Budget Committee FROM: Shaylynn Bivens, J.D., Senior Legislative Analyst, Advocates for Children of New Jersey DATE: March […]
Category: About ACNJ
New Jersey Legislative Fact Sheets 2026
Facebook X (Twitter) Linkedin How are communities in your legislative district supporting its children? Our 2026 New Jersey Legislative Fact Sheets provide the critical data for lawmakers and state leaders need to make informed policy decisions. Use the data as a roadmap for advocacy. You will also be able to view the New Jersey Statewide […]
Dr. Winifred Smith-Jenkins Named Garden State Power Fellow
Facebook X (Twitter) Linkedin Please join us in celebrating Dr. Winifred Smith-Jenkins, ACNJ’s Director of Early Childhood Policy and Advocacy, who has been selected for the Garden State Power Fellowship. She is one of 24 chosen for this opportunity. Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Fund for New Jersey, and the Rockwood Leadership […]
Murphy Signs Critical Legislation Before Leaving Office
Facebook X (Twitter) Linkedin Before the Murphy administration concluded, several critical pieces of legislation were signed into law. “Bell-to-Bell” Cell Phone Ban: Effective for the 2026-27 school year, this law restricts student phone use during school hours. The policy reflects recommendations from the Commission on the Effects of Social Media Usage on Adolescents, of which […]
ACNJ’s 10th Annual Breakfast Celebration Recap
Facebook X (Twitter) Linkedin On Thursday, December 4, 2025, ACNJ held its Annual Breakfast Celebration with the theme “Stronger Starts: Advancing Maternal and Infant Health in New Jersey.” Board Chair Jennifer Robinson thanked our generous sponsors and reflected on the event’s origins, sharing how former board chair and fund development committee chair Richard Trenk envisioned […]

