Child Centered Governance Resources for Communities

Whether you're just getting started or building on existing efforts, these tools, research-based recommendations and practical resources will help your community establish, strengthen and sustain child-centered governance structures and practices.

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Two female students in UNICEF shirts hold up signs, one saying '30 percent of the population, 100 percent of the future,' the other saying 'lift our voices.'

Research-to-Policy Brief Series

Evidence-informed guidance that translates research, implementation experience and promising practices into approaches for local governments.

A group of smiling students wearing UNICEF shirts, holding up signs saying things like 'protect children,' 'love is power,' and 'youth voices matter.'

Child Impact Statement Toolkit

Use this template to understand how decisions in your community may affect children. It’s a first step toward child-centered decision-making and can be used by both young people and adults. Co-created with Kids Impact Initiative.

Toolkit PDF

ES: Kit De Herramientas PDF

Screenshot of the cover of the UNICEF Clubs Child Impact Statement Toolkit document, featuring a smiling girl and the captions 'ready to make a difference?' And 'let's get started!'

Getting Started: A Self-Assessment Tool

For communities interested in advancing child-centered governance, this Self-Assessment helps local government leaders and community partners reflect on current policies and practices, identify strengths and opportunities and determine next steps. Use it independently or as a foundation for future engagement with UNICEF USA.

Download PDF

In a school setting, two girls in school uniforms work on a sheet of large easel pad paper.

Child-Centered Governance Functionality Scale

Use this tool in conjunction with the Self-Assessment to measure your community’s development across the five child-centered governance strategies.

Download PDF

Child Rights & Sports Alliance Playbook

Child safeguarding and access to sports are critical to children’s wellbeing. Cities hosting major sporting events have a special responsibility to protect children and youth in their community. Refer to this guide at every stage of local sports event planning and implementation and adapt its guidance to meet your city’s objectives and priorities.

CRSA Playbook

International Day of Play: A Guide for U.S. Municipal Leaders

Discover how cities can leverage International Day of Play (June 11) to demonstrate a commitment to healthier, more connected, and more resilient communities where children and families can thrive. Developed in partnership with the LEGO Group.

A Guide for U.S. Municipal Leaders PDF

A little girl plays with a pink soccer ball outside.

Communities for Every Child Calendar

Coordinate local government, schools, youth organizations and community partners around key moments throughout the year that elevate children’s voices and inspire collective action.

Communities for Every Child Calendar 2026-2027

Screenshot of the UNICEF USA Communities for Every Child Calendar, 2026 to 2027 cover. Featuring a smiling boy on a playground over a set of dates and event descriptions.

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