Child Welfare League of America

The Child Welfare League of America (CWLA), the nation's oldest and largest membership-based child welfare organization, is committed to engaging all Americans in promoting the well-being of children and protecting every child from harm.

How do you help people in my community?

With 800 public and nonprofit member agencies, chances are, we're helping kids and families right in your own backyard. Some of our agencies provide a single service like adoption, while others provide a range of services such as child and family counseling, foster care, adoption, and child day care. Our members also help troubled teens to develop independent living skills, teach young parents how to care for their kids, and locate housing for the homeless. They also educate and counsel teens to prevent HIV infection, adolescent pregnancy, and alcohol and other drug abuse.

Why do you need my support?

Protecting America's children is everybody's business. Everyone has a role to play. Not only by learning all they can about healthy child and family development, but also by supporting CWLA through donations and in-kind services. If you want to play a role in preventing child abuse and neglect, in supporting agencies that take the lead in protecting America's children from maltreatment, then CWLA is a great choice for you. We will use your money to support the many services we provide to our member agencies that serve the most troubled and needy kids and families.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

CWLA has earned the Best in America Seal of Excellence from Independent Charities of America.

This seal is awarded to the members of Independent Charities of America and local Independent Charities of America that have, upon rigorous independent review, been able to certify, document, and demonstrate on an annual basis that they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. These standards include those required by the U.S. government for inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign, one of the most exclusive fund drives in the world. Of the one million charities operating in the United States today, an estimated fewer than 50,000, or 5%, meet or exceed these standards; of those, fewer than 2,000 have been awarded this seal.

CWLA has also been rated by Parenting magazine as one of the top 10 most efficient and effective children's charities in the country. We're very proud of this rating and work to make sure that every contribution made to CWLA really counts.

Can I Volunteer? How?

Yes, you can volunteer at one of our 800 member agencies. Just visit our web site at www.cwla.org or e-mail us at helpkids@cwla.org to locate a CWLA member agency near you.