Who We Are

Our Vision

CFI envisions a world where children are welcomed participants in the daily lives of the families and communities in which they live, a world where their contributions are recognized and encouraged and their unique needs are accommodated appropriately.

Our Mission

We believe that change begins with us. Therefore CFI’s mission is to provide families and the community at large with information and practical tools to facilitate positive and respectful interaction with the children in our midst. We are developing a worldwide forum for discussion of the issues that result from this work.

About CFI

Child–Friendly Initiative (CFI) is a grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children. CFI members all over the United States work to transform their neighborhoods and communities into places that honor and respect children and support families.

Our activities and programs are based on the following goals:

• To create a forum for public dialogue on the role of children in our society.
• To educate the public about children’s unique developmental needs.
• To develop and promote child-friendly policies and practices.
• To provide resources and training to businesses, organizations and other public institutions so that they can become child-friendly.
• To recognize and publicize places that have earned the Child-Friendly Seal of Approval.
• To provide children with opportunities to become involved in their communities.

Programs

Child-Friendly Seal of Approval Program

One of the primary objectives of CFI is to encourage businesses and other institutions that serve the public to welcome and accommodate children. When a business displays the Child-Friendly Seal of Approval in their window, indicating that they have taken steps to create a safe and supportive environment for children, parents and caregivers know that they can enter and conduct business with confidence. The Child-Friendly Locator is an on-line database of Child-Friendly places that have been selected and approved by CFI members all across the United States. It is provided free of charge to anyone who visits CFI’s Web site at www.childfriendly.org.

Education Programs and Resources

Another important objective is to support parents and caregivers in their critical roles as guardians and mentors. In addition to building a database of child-friendly places around the country, we publish educational materials to help promote a better understanding of children’s developmental capabilities. We promote these ideas and practices to parents and caregivers and to the public at large, helping people to understand that children are part of our world, worthy of our attention and respect.

The Future

Child-Friendly Homes, Child-Friendly World

CFI's primary focus to date has been promoting a welcoming attitude towards children into the public sphere, our neighborhoods and communities. As we continually reexamine our mission and our programs, we have come to understand that Child-Friendly means much more than simply making businesses aware of children’s needs. We are committed to raising awareness of children’s developmental capabilities and engendering a pervasive attitude of respect for children throughout society, applying Child-Friendly principles to all things that endanger or marginalize children. Child-Friendly is an attitude and a practice that must permeate every strata of society.