CSSP Home Page

Why Unrestricted Cash?

All people deserve a foundation of economic security. Cash, with no restrictions or strings attached, gives people the freedom to decide how they can most effectively meet their needs as their circumstance change. Learn more about CSSP Five for 2025: Policy Priorities to Champion Economic Justice, Health Justice, and Family Autonomy. 

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What We Owe Caregivers

We know that the well-being of parents and caregivers matters. It is our collective responsibility to support families, and policy is an essential tool to do that.

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Let’s get REAL

We owe all people safe and affirming spaces that allow them to express their whole selves. In the following clips, which are highlights from a longer conversation, CSSP President and CEO Leonard Burton and Senior Fellow Bill Bettencourt underscore how and why we need to show up for LGBTQ+ youth. 

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Safe Havens II

The Safe Havens II interactive report underscores the importance of accountability to ensure the safety and well-being of TNGD youth.

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Who We Are

The Center for the Study of Social Policy works to achieve a racially, economically, and socially just society in which all children, youth, and families thrive. We translate ideas into action, promote public policies grounded in equity, and support strong and inclusive communities. We advocate with and for all children, youth, and families marginalized by public policies and institutional practices.

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Our Approach

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Systems Change

We draw on the latest research and work to make systems more responsive, accountable, and rooted in policies that ensure equity and inclusion for all children, youth, families, and communities.

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Community Outreach

We believe in the power of communities to shape their futures. We work with communities across the country and with local systems to impact policy and systems change.

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Policy

We work to influence public policy to create opportunity, advance equity, achieve impact, and scale results. We fight against inequitable policy proposals and promote policies that ensure equity and inclusion.

What’s New

Read our latest blog posts.
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Under Pressure: Taking Action to Support Parents and Caregivers

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Unrestricted Cash: A Lifeline for Young People and Families

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CBS Evening News: Raegen Selden Speaks on the Child Tax Credit

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Supporting Families Through the HOPE and Strengthening Families Frameworks

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Census Data Underscores Need for Expanded CTC, Other Family Supports—Even in a Strong Economy

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Supporting All Young People: Safe Havens II: We Must Affirm and Protect Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender Diverse Youth in Out-of-Home Systems

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It’s Time for a Child Allowance, No Strings Attached

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How Public Systems Can Strengthen Community Service Providers

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The Biden Administration’s New TANF Rule: a Pragmatic Step Forward

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Let’s get REAL.